"Unlocking The Door To Hope"

Sophie's Club began shortly after Sophia went to heaven in April of 2005. With a now intimate understanding of how difficult it is to parent a child with special needs, Pauline began the process of playing "matchmaker", pairing up families who needed a break with caring volunteers who graciously gave their time and love to precious children across WNY.

The volunteers, the original "Sophie's Angels", would invariably come back from volunteering with BIG smiles on their faces saying what an incredible blessing it was for them to spend time with the "club members" and their families. Moms, Dads and siblings were so very grateful. Most had been waiting a very long time to spend even a few hours away from the insurmountable demands at home. Soon the phone began ringing more often than Pauline could answer it, as more and more families heard about this answer to their prayers. For a time, Joanne Shannon joined Pauline in organizing volunteers. Quickly, they realized that the need was overwhelming, and that something needed to be done as soon as possible. Families have literally been on waiting lists for years to get the support they needed so badly and that their children deserved.

So we gathered a board of directors and began the process of applying to NYS for non-profit, tax exempt (501(c)3) status. Currently, Sophie's Club has begun to look for grants and seek monatary donations, land and/or a building(s) that can be modified for special needs children. Despite news of a recession and the steep mountain there is to climb, we at Sophie's Club know that we know that we know, that Sophie's Club Kids Spas are meant to be. For some time now, the perfect people at the perfect time have shown up to fill exactly what we needed. Everyone involved has continued to be blessed.

We are poised to take our next step in opening up our first kids' spa in the Southtowns of WNY. Watch us grow!!