The Scales Family: Forging Connections for KDC

The Scales Family have been part of the KDC community for nearly 24 years. As new parents, Lori and Scott Scales enrolled in a Parents as Teachers program, where early childhood educators helped them notice that their son, Joe, plateaued in his development at about six months of age.

The Scales Family was referred to KDC’s Early Intervention program in Attleboro, where Joe participated in playgroups, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapies until he turned 3 years old.

“KDC showed us how to be strong advocates for Joe,” Lori said. “Thanks to their guidance, he continued to grow and progress.”

When it came time for Preschool, Joe was prepared to enroll in Attleboro Public Schools with the help of his Early Intervention Team. Joe graduated in 2017 and, today as a young adult, he is employed in a local restaurant and volunteers in the community.

After the family’s positive experience with Early Intervention, Lori applied to be a Teaching Assistant in the program – and she’s been a KDC staff member ever since! She has supported KDC playgroups, co-run a Parent Advisory Council with alumni parent and teaching assistant Betsy Paras, and managed the EI program’s data entry for Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health. Edith Benisty, Program Director for Attleboro Early Intervention, credits Lori’s tenacity for the program’s 100% compliance with all public health indicators. With her dual perspective as a parent and a staff member, Lori has also been a champion for re-engaging Attleboro Early Intervention volunteers and program alumni over the years.

Joe’s dad, Scott, dedicated many years on KDC’s Board of Directors. The whole family has supported fundraising efforts for KDC by attending countless Galas, ice cream socials, spaghetti suppers, golf tournaments, dinner dances, trivia nights, yard sales and Rodman Rides.

During the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, as so many programs closed their doors, Joe and his mom sprang into action, finding yet another way to support families in their community. With a shortage of supplies in the community, Early Intervention families turned to their Early Intervention program for support with essentials. This gave life to “KDC’s Diaper Angels”, they volunteered their time to purchase diapers, wipes, and gift cards with funds from KDC donors “Joe really motivated me to give back to the community,” Lori said. “Every week he looks forward to distribute diapers to the next set of families.”

Together, Joe and Lori spent countless hours delivering essentials right to families’ doorsteps and, within the first six months of the pandemic, they made 140 deliveries. A recent grant from the SouthCoast Community Foundation has allowed KDC and the Scales to continue supporting “KDC’s Diaper Angels”. We’re extremely grateful to the Scales Family for the countless ways they’ve supported our KDC community.