Mary’s Family is a tax-exempt (501)(c)(3) organization founded in September 2002 by Martha J. Toomey, the mother of a ten-year-old who contracted a seizure disorder from a vaccination. The organization offers what every child with disabilities can cherish: friendship. Through respite days and special camps, every child with special needs is presented the opportunity to spend the day with a volunteer friend doing activities specifically suited to their own individual needs.
Respite has been expanded to include the Shenandoah Valley on the first Saturday of every month. Look for respite schedules that now include first and second Saturdays of every month.
We also publish a quarterly journal, Let Me Tell You. This journal serves as a creative way to share our stories. Let Me Tell You has been offered in print form, but will soon become the Mary’s Family blog. Watch this website for the blog.
In addition to respite days, we offer a 4-H club with many fun and interesting activities such as petting zoos, photography, outdoor club, sewing, and much more.
Governor Kaine has appointed Ms. Toomey to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities; and she will serve on the Community Inclusion committee. Ms. Toomey was also the 2003 Fauquier Times- Democrat Citizen of the Year! Mary’s Family is a member of the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Toomey currently serves on the Fauquier Alliance for Youth Stragetic Plan committee and the Extension Leadership Council (an advisory group helping the Virginia Cooperative Extension office).
Contact Mary’s Family at mjtoomey1995@yahoo.com for more information.
