Imagine having a months-long waitlist for your products or services. Sounds great, right? Not always—especially when it comes to essential services for our community’s most vulnerable.
Today on North GA Business Radio, Phil Bonelli speaks with Blythe Hammons, Executive Director of Sisu of Georgia about an urgent need in our backyard.
Blythe is an experienced advocate for inclusive early learning environments for children with special needs. Her role involves overseeing the provision of crucial therapies such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and ABA therapy, aimed at supporting the holistic development of children with diverse needs.
With a focus on integrating special needs children into educational settings, Blythe is deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by parents of children with special needs.
Her work at SISU reflects a dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive space where all children, regardless of their abilities, can receive the necessary support and thrive in their educational journey.
What is Sisu?
==> Formerly Challenge Child and Friends
==> An integrated early learning facility serving children with special needs
==> Unique approach: educating special needs and typically developing children side-by-side
==> Comprehensive support system for families
The Pressing Need
==> 30 children pending enrollment
==> 165 families seeking services
This waitlist represents families struggling to find appropriate care, potentially facing financial hardship due to lack of childcare options.
How Can Business Leaders Help?
==> Financial Support: Make a significant donation to help Sisu expand
==> Raise Awareness: Share Sisu’s mission within your network
==> Volunteer: Offer your time or expertise
==> Corporate Partnerships: Explore collaboration opportunities
Visit https://mysisu.org to learn more and get involved. Every action counts!
Connect with Blythe and Sisu:
https://www.facebook.com/SisuIntegratedEarlyLearning
https://www.instagram.com/my_sisu/
Connect with Phil Bonelli:
https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/
https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/
https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/
Connect with Beau Henderson:
https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors
https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX
This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors
Hopewell Farms GA
Roundtable Advisors
RichLife Advisors
Regions Bank
Highlights Of The Show
00:03:01 – SISU’s Mission and Unique Services
Blythe explains that SISU serves children with special needs in an inclusive environment, providing therapeutic services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and ABA therapy. The organization also offers early childhood education for typically developing children.
00:10:04 – The Need for Growth and Resources
Blythe discusses the high demand for SISU’s services, with a waitlist of 30 pending enrollments and 165 leads. She emphasizes the need for a bigger facility and more staff to accommodate the growing demand.
00:14:14 – Call to Action for Support
Phil encourages listeners to support SISU by giving donations to help the organization grow and meet the needs of the children and families it serves. He emphasizes the importance of using resources to serve those who cannot generate them themselves.
00:15:23 – My SISU
Phil and Blythe discuss the personal connection people feel towards SISU, as evidenced by Blythe’s daughter calling it “My SISU.” This highlights the impact of the organization’s work on the community and the families it serves.
00:16:44 – Creating a Safe Space at SISU
Blythe shares her experience of welcoming kids to SISU and the impact it has on their well-being. The consistent support from therapists and teachers creates a safe and loving environment for the children.
00:19:30 – Importance of Serving Special Needs Kids
Phil emphasizes the significance of serving special needs kids and how it can make a difference in their families’ lives. He encourages businesses to consider how they can make their clients and employees feel as valued as the children at SISU.
00:22:25 – Challenges of Waiting Lists
Blythe discusses the challenges families face when waiting for placement at SISU, highlighting the overwhelming stress and impact on their livelihood. She emphasizes the critical need to provide a competent and safe place for special needs children.
00:26:29 – The Power of Listening as a Leader
Blythe emphasizes the importance of listening as a new leader, sharing her experience of connecting with various stakeholders to understand their perspectives and concerns. She encourages leaders to prioritize listening and taking action based on the feedback received.
00:30:08 – Balancing Action with Listening
Phil and Blythe discuss the challenge of balancing action with listening and how leaders can integrate feedback into decision-making. Blythe emphasizes the need for prioritizing and taking incremental steps towards addressing stakeholders’ concerns.
00:33:23 – Give Yourself Grace
Blythe emphasizes the importance of giving oneself grace and not being too hard on oneself. She encourages taking a minute to breathe and tackle each day one step at a time.
00:34:10 – Act like You Just Started
Blythe advises leaders, regardless of experience, to listen to different stakeholders, establish trust, and prioritize tasks. She emphasizes the importance of tackling one thing at a time to build momentum.
00:35:24 – Understanding Priorities
Blythe shares the analogy of a leaky hose to highlight the importance of understanding priorities. She emphasizes the need to intentionally prioritize tasks and work on the most important things first to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
00:37:15 – Vulnerability and Asking for Help
Blythe discusses the importance of being vulnerable as a leader and asking for help when needed. She emphasizes the value of leaning on the support system and involving experts in areas of weakness.
00:39:04 – Freestyle Rap
The conversation takes a light-hearted turn as Phil asks Blythe to share three topics for a freestyle rap. The episode ends with a fun rap and a call to action to support local businesses.
