​ABOUT
PROJECT
I SEE U
BACKGROUND
& MISSION.
Approximately 1 in 6 children ages 3 to 17 have a disability. It is estimated that 10 to 20 million children and adolescents are living with a chronic medical or mental health condition. The average U.S. household has 2.3 children, resulting in over 40 million siblings being raised in homes with a child that has an illness or disability. The CDC has acknowledged that growing up in this type of family environment is an adverse childhood experience (ACE). ACEs place siblings at increased risk of experiencing a range of health and social challenges. Moreover, there is a major economic consequence associated with ACEs that is carried into adulthood. The US spends over $180 billion dollars on ACE-related adult health conditions each year which is costly to both businesses and the economy.
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Families caring for a child with an illness or disability can become overwhelmed by the enormous responsibilities associated with caring for their sick child. Siblings in these households can inadvertently feel unheard and overlooked. It is not uncommon for siblings to experience a range of emotions and lack the skills, outlets or support to help them mange their feelings.
Project I See U was started to raise awareness about the unique emotional needs of siblings of children that have a chronic illness or disability. We are a multi-media advocacy company for siblings that provide sibling centric services; support for research and programming; and educational resources for families, educators and providers.
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WHAT WE OFFER.
Allyship
A community where siblings and caregivers can connect with others who share similar experiences.
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Resources
Information about children's mental health for parents/caregivers; and coping strategies children to help them develop positive self-esteem.
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Advocacy
Raising awareness; and supporting research, policies and tailored services for siblings to ensure that their unique mental health needs are addressed.
OUR FOUNDER.
Greetings! My name is Raina Ford and I am the visionary behind Project I See U. I am a 19 year old Freshman Honors International Business major at Howard University, hailing from the Chicagoland area.
I decided to start Project I See U, because I recognized that the emotional needs of all children are important.
Growing up I had a sibling with a disability. I had to learn how to navigate that situation which was not easy. I wrote the book, "I See U" to share some of the lessons that I learned along the way to help other children realize that they are special and not alone. Everyday my goal is to impact at least one sibling to encourage and remind them of their importance.
My hope is that the work of Project I See U resonates with you and helps to make your sibling experience a little easier.
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I invite you to browse our website and follow us on our social platforms in order to stay engaged with us and our many initiatives.