Amazing Grace Advocacy

07/27/2026

Connie was an incredible advocate and inspired many of us in this work🙏🏼

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Connie K. Hawkins, the founder of the Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC).

Connie dedicated more than 35 years to advocating for children with disabilities and special health care needs and the families who love them. Her vision helped establish ECAC in 1980, transforming a small volunteer effort into what has grown into a statewide organization serving families in all 100 North Carolina counties.Connie's voice earned her statewide and national respect as a champion for the educational rights of children and youth with disabilities. She accomplished this work with grace, compassion, and a warm smile, but those who knew her also knew she possessed a spine of steel when she witnessed injustice or discrimination. Through her leadership, countless families found information, hope, and the confidence to advocate for their children. Her influence extended far beyond the families she met personally, shaping policies, building partnerships, and inspiring generations of parent advocates.

More than any award or recognition, what mattered most to Connie was helping children and families thrive.

Connie's vision continues to guide ECAC's mission every day. We are profoundly grateful for her leadership, her courage, and the foundation she built nearly 45 years ago. Her legacy will continue to live on through the work of ECAC and through every family empowered to advocate for their child.

Our heartfelt condolences are with Connie's family, friends, and all who were privileged to know her.

Those wishing to honor Connie's legacy may consider making a memorial gift to ECAC. Such gifts will help continue the work Connie began more than four decades ago—empowering families, improving lives, and ensuring that children and youth with disabilities and their families receive the information, support, and advocacy they deserve.

Donate - Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC): https://ow.ly/oqxg50ZtnRM

07/22/2026

👉Important Info for families

07/22/2026

Many caregivers and families of children with developmental trauma feel isolated and ostracized from their communities for a variety of reasons.

Learn more about their struggles and how you can support the whole family living with the reality of reactive attachment disorder.
https://www.radadvocates.org/post/reactive-attachment-disorder-the-world-might-be-a-better-place-if-we-supported-these-parents

07/22/2026

07/21/2026

07/17/2026

07/11/2026

Life Skills Lab is a Nine-month program that focuses on the skills needed for young adults with disabilities to prepare for employment, self-advocacy, independent living, mental wellness and financial literacy.

Who is a good candidate for this program? 🎓
Young adults, ages 18- 25 that have graduated with the desire and ability to be employed, that would also like to increase their independence within their family home.

Cost for One Day per week is $125 per month and Two Days per week in $250 per month

Apply Online https://forms.gle/xBX5LX6K5mAuxqV18

07/10/2026

Almost ready!!! Will be such a great resource for our community and the struggles we face in crisis

07/08/2026

Is the dread of Back to School weighing on your mind? Get with us this summer and create a plan. Our Navigators are ready to review your IEP, discuss last year's concerns and create a plan to avoid the pitfalls of the past.

Let's talk! 🗣️ Click here to pick a day and time for us to call you!
https://calendly.com/intake_aga/intake-appointment?month=2026-07