​About Us

Our Mission & Work

FRIENDS OF SPECIAL CHILDREN (FOSC) works to improve the lives of special needs children of all ages in our community.  With over 25 enthusiastic volunteers, the group has proudly served children with special needs in and around Chattanooga since 2002. FOSC has hosted the ABC, All aBout Children Event for the past 13 years, raising over $1 million for Signal Centers School. Signal Centers offers day programs and referral services for children and adults with special needs. In addition, FOSC has proudly sponsored Skyuka Hall, school for children with learning disabilities; Baby University, which supports expectant mothers; Chatter Camp, Signal Centers’ summer camp for non-verbal children; SPARC, Chattanooga's chapter of Disabled Sports and Marty’s Center, an early learning center for children with hearing impairments.  

Past Fundraising efforts benefiting Signal Centers include the following:

  • Purchased IntelliTools Classroom Suite software and equipment for computerized learning.
  • Renovated state-of-the-art model classrooms.
  • Created an Endowed Scholarship Fund
  • Replaced aging windows for all the classrooms with new energy efficient windows.
  • Constructed two fully accessible playgrounds for children with all abilities
  • Completed funding for The Maxine Block Alper, FOSC Enrichment Center  
  • Raised funds for the purchase and installation of an elevator at Signal Centers. Making Signal Centers completely wheelchair accessible. 
  • Provided funding for new computer learning tools: audio, video software & hardware upgrades, training and installing secure system.
  • Raised funds for upgrades to safety and security  for the campus and classrooms to include new fencing, video cameras and the installation of 2 in classroom bathrooms.
  • Raised funds for exterior repairs to the Signal Centers 110-year-old school facility 

Thank You

Whether you've helped through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you! We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.