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What happens when we focus so much on helping one person that we overlook the people around them?

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Project, we sit down with Maria Tejada, founder and president of Siblings Helping Siblings Foundation, Inc., to talk about her journey as a mother, the impact of her daughter’s autism diagnosis on her family, and how her oldest daughter helped her recognize the importance of supporting siblings, too.

Maria turned her personal experiences into action by starting Siblings Helping Siblings in 2024. Today, the nonprofit supports siblings of individuals with disabilities through peer connections, educational opportunities, resources, and meaningful experiences. The organization also creates inclusive, sensory-friendly events where children of all abilities and their families can connect, play, and make lasting memories.

We discuss the importance of supporting the whole family, creating welcoming communities without judgment, and recognizing that we may not always understand what others are going through.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why siblings of children with disabilities need support and understanding.
• How personal experiences can inspire meaningful community change.
• What it means to create inclusive, sensory-friendly experiences for families.
• How each of us can become more understanding, compassionate, and welcoming.

Learn more about Siblings Helping Siblings Foundation, Inc.

Website: https://www.siblingshelpingsiblings.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590835844739

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siblingshelpingsiblings/

Visit their website to learn more about their programs and how you can support their mission.

If this conversation resonates with you, please like and follow The Ripple Effect Project on social media, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and consider donating to support the work of Siblings Helping Siblings Foundation.

Every connection starts with understanding. Every small act of inclusion can make a difference.

Your story matters. Your connection matters. Your ripple matters.

Support the show

The Ripple Effect Project is proudly sponsored by Miingl and Team Trust Productions.

Theme Music produced by @UnLearn The World with @hiphop4change

hiphopforchange.org

Miingl is a platform built around creating connections, discovering opportunities, and bringing people and communities together. Learn more and start making your connections at https://miingl.com?ref=ntawyja

Team Trust Productions helps nonprofits turn the work they are doing into stories that donors and communities can connect with. Learn more about how they can help tell your nonprofit’s story at www.teamtrustproductions.com/ripple

If you believe in the power of these conversations and want to help us keep The Ripple Effect Project going, you can support the podcast here: https://fas.st/t/WK9eoG3q or through Venmo at @createtheripple.

One person can create a ripple. That ripple can change a family, a neighborhood, and eventually a community.