KELLY'S STORY
Kelly is a beautiful young woman who, at the age of 17, sprained her ankle in a volleyball game and was diagnosed with a debilitating disease called Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). CRPS, an invisible illness affecting one or multiple limbs, is caused by a malfunction of the central and peripheral nervous system.
Unfortunately for Kelly, the disease spread and took over her entire body, leaving her wheelchair bound, with a feeding tube, and in constant pain.​
Kelly was the recipient of The Gift's first financial grant. We were able to provide her and her family with a financial donation to help cover some personal medical needs along with additional costs associated with her new comfort dog, Gunner.
The Gift Corporation Board of Directors
YOUR BELIEF IN THE GIFT WILL HELP US DO GREAT WORK.
ABOUT US
The Gift Corporation (The Gift), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was established by Anita Barbero, a wellness coach, yoga teacher, inspirational speaker, and philanthropist. Through The Gift, Anita is committed to addressing basic human needs by providing individuals or families with the tools they need to help them through a crisis.
OUR MISSION
The primary mission of The Gift is to assist Connecticut individuals and/or families experiencing financial hardship in order to sustain or improve their quality of life.
WHAT WE DO
There are numerous reasons why The Gift might come to the aid of an individual or family struggling due to financial difficulties. Examples of such struggles include: lack of insurance, returning from active military service, family crisis, loss of a job, or paying for a funeral.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
In order to meet our mission and serve our local communities, we rely on the generosity of others. Donations from individuals and businesses who align with our mission are critical to our success and create a lasting impact for those in need.
Interested in making a difference?
Click the DONATE button below or send a check directly to:
The Gift Corporation
P.O. Box 54
Harwinton, CT 06791
OUR STORY
Four years ago, on my daily drive to and from work, I would notice people in wheelchairs strolling up and down Main Street in Unionville, CT. One cold, winter day, stopped at a red light, I noticed this one lovely woman in her wheelchair with a serene smile on her face, I also noticed she looked cold. I remembered I had a spare blanket in my car so when the light turned green, I followed her into the parking lot, where I was able to ask if she was cold. I gave her my blanket and we proceeded to talk about where she lived. I was stunned to discover that there is a disabled community right in my own backyard. From that point on, I established a relationship with not only Jennifer, but with the amazing staff that runs New Horizons Village.
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After my first meeting with Jennifer, I did some research and learned that insurance does not cover up-to-date wheelchair models. With a cost range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on each individual's specific needs, this could be a financial burden on any individual or family.
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Thanks to Jennifer, I realized that being able to bestow a perfect "gift" to someone in order to increase their quality of life and overall happiness was my true vision. And from there I founded The Gift.
I am grateful for those who have joined my mission and for those who will embrace it in the future; for it only takes one life, one love, one conscious, compassionate act to make a positive difference.
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Anita Barbero
Founder of The Gift Corporation