Inspiring Impactful Change
Our Mission
Making Change Possible
Damian's Village is on a heartfelt mission to serve families with special needs children. Our vision is to create a haven where parents can find support, guidance, and resources to ensure the well-being of their children in a safe and nurturing environment. We provide resources, trainings, grant writing, advocacy and support, along with our future plans for an after school program and emergency drop-in facility for families in times of crisis. Our dedicated and skilled staff is committed to providing the care and attention that these exceptional children deserve, immediately following the school day.
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Our inspiration stems from the profound love and dedication of our founder, Jackie Gant, whose journey with her son Damian ignited the spark of compassion and purpose that fuels Damian's Village. Jackie's personal experience navigating the challenges and joys of raising a special needs child became the driving force behind our cause.
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At Damian's Village, we understand that the journey of caring for a special needs child can be both rewarding and demanding. It's a path filled with unique challenges, and we are here to lend a helping hand by providing a range of resources tailored to address the specific needs of each child and family. Our future goal is to provide an enriching after-school program and emergency drop-in facility for families in crisis.
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We recognize that specialized appointments, access to expert advice, and advocacy support can make a world of difference in the lives of these children. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure that every child receives the care, attention, and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed.
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As we embark on this journey with the unwavering support of our founder and a deep sense of purpose, Damian's Village aims to be a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for families who are navigating the unique joys and challenges of caring for a special needs child. We invite you to join us in this meaningful endeavor, as we believe that every child, regardless of their unique abilities, deserves a chance to flourish, and every family deserves a supportive community to lean on. Together, we can make a lasting difference and create a brighter, more inclusive future for these exceptional children.
In the News
Relevant + Important Updates
Embark on a transformative journey with Jackie Gant, a Chicago professional turned advocate for vulnerable children. From career success to finding purpose, she shares her path from the Harvard Graduate School of Education to fostering medically fragile children, shining a light on challenges and victories. Read the full article to uncover Jackie's inspiring story and the impactful strides she's making in Michigan's foster care system.
When Damian was suffering from multiple seizures a day, his family turned to Children’s Hospital of Michigan, the top pediatric center in the state for neurology and neurosurgery, as rated by U.S. News & World Report. Now, thanks to a minimally invasive procedure, Damian spends most days’ seizure free.
Listen to Dr. Marupudi's first encounter with Damien and treating his Lennox Gastaut Syndrome. Hear Damien's mom, Jackie Gant's endearing story of unconditional love and how she made it her mission to be a champion for other families experiencing this syndrome and those with children of special needs.
It takes a special kind of love for families to become foster parents, and even more so when a foster parent goes on to give a child a forever home. For one woman whose son was developmentally delayed due to drugs in his system at birth. Her journey with him went much further. Multiple seizures every day until surgeons at Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit used a robot to perform brain surgery gave them both a remarkable new take on life.
A procedure Damain underwent at Children’s Hospital of Michigan called ‘inspiring’ for future after huge success. Update: Since having this procedure, the number of drop seizures Damian used to experience daily has decreased significantly.
Join Kerry + Carrie of LittleGuide LIVE, brought to you by Delta Dental! Dive into the fall vibes and get ready for Labor Day Weekend with a special guest, local mom Jackie Grant. She'll be sharing her poignant journey with Children's Hospital of Michigan, where her son was among the first in the state to undergo surgery for seizure relief. Tune in for a heartwarming conversation about resilience, and the profound impact Children's Hospital has on families.
A Note from Our Founder
Jackie Gant
Welcome to Damian's Village of Hope, where we are more than just a nonprofit organization; we are a family, a community, and a source of unwavering support for families with special needs children. Our journey began with a mother's love and a profound dedication to making a difference. We provide an after-school program, resources, specialty appointments, and advocacy assistance, all underpinned by our commitment to creating a nurturing and safe environment. Together, we aim to ensure that every child can flourish and thrive. At Damian's Village of Hope, we embrace diversity, empower dreams, and nurture hope, for we believe in the extraordinary potential of every child.
