Community Impact
Community Sharing Fund: Mark
Julie is the single mother of Mark and his nine-year-old sibling. At the age of three, Mark was diagnosed with autism. Mark attends an Early Childhood Special Education program five days a week.
In January 2005, Mark's mother, Julie, was seeking financial assistance in purchasing a new DynaMyte communication device that would allow him to communicate and participate rather than just observe in class. The device was only available from DynaVox Systems, LLC at the cost of $6,700.
During a free trial period Mark was able to use the unit instantly. The family's insurance would pay a maximum of 70%, or $4,690, leaving an unmet need of $2,010. Julie applied to the Community Sharing Fund through Ramsey County Human Services and received the final $500 she needed to purchase this life-altering device.