13 JULY 2019 BODY OF CHRIST NEWS The Thrive Center It’s important that parents have resources and advocates on their behalf when it comes to the education of their children. Derek Burkhalter and his wife, Yvette Plummer Burkhalter, are doing just that through their organization called the The Thrive Center. The orga- nization’s program focuses on help- ing families with children with learn- ing disabilities/special needs navigate through the school system. “It’s very challenging when you have a child with special needs,” said Yvette Burkhalter. “There are a lot of laws that regulate how children with dis- abilities are educated. Many parents don’t know that and that is where we step in.” For example, she explains a child with a disability has a speech therapist assigned to him or her and that indi- vidual doesn’t show up to school, then the child falls further behind. “Individual educational plans under the law states that if a child is not get- ting the services needed then the par- ent can file a complaint. As advocates, we show them how to file a complaint, what the law says and getting the school to do what they are required to do.” Even those students diagnosed with ADD or ADHD don’t necessarily get the help they need to succeed in school. Special needs students are often stig- matized and put in classes that segre- gate them from other students, which makes them feel alienated. The Thrive Center provides mentor- ing programs as well throughout the school year and summer, according to Derek Burkhalter. “We teach them an ethical structure on how to handle themselves outside the school and inside the school,” he added. “And teach young men how to become (future) leaders in their com- munities. For more information or to contact The Thrive Center call 303-632-6840 Derek Burkhalter and Yvette Plummer Burkhalter COMMUNITY Even those students diagnosed with ADD or ADHD don’t necessarily get the help they need to succeed in school.