Mission:
To provide resources to families in financial crisis who are caring for children facing life threatening illnesses and disabilities to support a healthy and safe home environment, full access to medical care and equipment, as well as educational support.
Our Cause:
To aid families in short term financial hardship with the immediate needed tools to allow them to fully focus on caring for their children’s medical and educational needs.
Who we serve:
Georgia families with documented economic hardship, not already receiving financial aid from other organizations or government entities, who are caring for children from birth to 18 living with an illness or disability.
The Need:
There are an estimated 13,000 children in Georgia living with a long-term disability or with a chronic, incurable diagnosis. Nearly 60% of these children are cared for by single mothers and in many sad cases, grandmothers. The economic burdens placed on families caring for their special needs children, particularly those fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases is tremendous. Often a parent must stop working to care for their child, reducing their ability to pay for the many medical costs that are out of pocket. Many may be at risk of eviction or having the lights turned off because they are behind on their bills. Some face the cost of having their homes renovated for wheelchair accessibility or will need a handicapped accessible vehicle—both of which are not covered by insurance programs. Some will homebound with children who cannot attend school and are struggling to keep up, so they do not fall behind in their schooling.
How we help:
Through an application screening, families apply for support to their unique needs. If approved for aid through one of our three key programs, SPK works directly medical providers, utility companies, vendors and other payees directly. Financial aid is never given directly to individuals.
Who We Are:
A 501©3 charity that relies on an active board of directors, volunteers and generous donors to provide emergency and immediate assistance to families of sick and disabled children in crisis.
We actively raise funds through special events, grant writing, corporate sponsorships, merchandise sales and individual donations. 100% of the Board of Directors provides financial contributions and there is no paid staff; the Executive Director accepts no renumeration for her leadership. Because of donated office space the maximum of every dollar donated goes directly to those in need.
Projected Annual Budget for FY 2022 is $217,000 with only 4% of the budget used for fundraising and administrative costs.
Board of Directors
Starkiseya Jones
Founder and Executive Director
A native Atlantean, Jones is an entrepreneur and the founder of Skye Precious Kids (SPK). She strives to blend the spirit of an entrepreneur with the heart of a philanthropist. After a successful career in modeling and acting, she was called to launch SPK when a close friend experienced challenges with managing her family and a full-time job while caring for her ill son and his siblings. Jones saw firsthand how the impact of support from the community could aid not just the ailing child but the entire family by supplementing medical needs and the financial support to families in crisis. A proud mother, Jones understands the value of family and pouring all we have into our children. Her goal is to build collaborative partnerships with multiple organizations serving children with health challenges to create a safety net for families that assures Precious Families, Precious Health and Precious Minds are nourished during the difficult times the families face. In addition to leading SPK, she is an active volunteer with the NAACP’s Young Council and other organizations with a mission to prevent and stop teen violence.
Robert Anthony Moore
Treasurer
An Accounting Supervisor for Delta Dental, the largest dental insurance company in the United States, Robert has over 14 years of accounting and finance experience and holds a B.S. in accounting and an M.B.A. in finance. With experience in both the healthcare and financial fields Robert contributes tremendously in oversight to all the grant programs at SPK and is a great resource in navigating the changing healthcare landscape in regards to coverage and gaps for children with disabilities and life threatening illnesses.
Vanessa Parker
Secretary
A “serial entrepreneur”, Vanessa hails from Warner Robbins, Georgia Vanessa holds a degree in Business Management and Information Technology. With husband and business partner Cole Parker, they have launched several globally recognized businesses including The Pink Boss, Inc. and Divas in Defense®. Ambitious, motivated and encouraging are just a few ways that loyal clients describe the dynamic serial entrepreneur. Affectionately known as a start-up guru, the thirty-something businesswoman has carved out a space for female entrepreneurs on today’s bustling do-it-yourself scene by utilizing resources, connecting people and most importantly, networking.
“Build relationships and expand your network! Skills are important, but strategic relationship building is the key to success.” –Vanessa Parker