Supporting families.Building connection.Creating hope.
Welcome to the first newsletter from The Little Lights Foundation! We are excited to share what we have been building, the programs already underway, and the family-focused projects we hope to launch next.
A Community Where Bella Belongs
Amy Browne, Founder
This July, Bella and I attended the Williams Syndrome Association convention in Buffalo, NY, and it was an incredible experience for both of us.
Bella spent her days with a group of 120 peers her own age who also have Williams syndrome. Over five days, she was surrounded by people who are like her in so many ways. She never had to explain herself for the quirks that come with having Williams syndrome. She made instant bonds with new friends, and those bonds have only strengthened since we left.
There is something so impactful about having friends who just get you.
While Bella was with her group, I attended educational sessions on topics ranging from cardiovascular health and estate planning for people with disabilities to ideas on how best to support Bella as she gets older. I learned an enormous amount and am still working through everything I took in at the convention. I also made many new friends of my own. Having a community that shares such a big part of our lives, and that we can lean on, has been a true gift. Many of these families have since joined our support group through The Little Lights Foundation.
The convention takes place every two years, and we can't wait for the next one in Minnesota.
Thank you to everyone who has donated to The Little Lights Foundation. Your generosity made it possible for Bella and me to attend.
Foundation Update
The Little Lights Foundation received our nonprofit status in December 2025. Our new status allowed us to open our business account, begin accepting donations, and start applying for grants. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped us get to this point.
Our Website
Our new website was completed in August, and we will continue adding resources, information, and practical support for families navigating Williams syndrome.
Explore our websiteProgramming
Online support groups for parents of children with Williams syndrome began in August and have continued to grow with every session. These groups began as free support groups, and we hope to introduce a minimal monthly fee through our new Patreon community. We will always work with families who need financial assistance and plan to offer a sliding scale.
- Support groups
- Meet every three weeks on Zoom, moving to every two weeks shortly.
- Planned Patreon fee
- $30 per month, sliding-scale support available.
Future Programming
We are working on several new projects for families and hope to launch them over the next six months. If you have an interest in helping us develop any of these programs, we would love to hear from you!
Independence Workshop
For children with Williams syndrome ages 10 and up.
Support for Parents at the Time of Diagnosis
A supportive ear from experienced parents, along with resources and guidance during what can be one of the hardest times for a family.
A Walk for Children with Williams Syndrome
To raise awareness and generate support for programming.
First annual
Family Fun Day
Free for all!
- Date
- Time
- 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Location
- Mulberry West at Christmas Hill ParkBy the playground · Gilroy, California
Music
Entertainment and interactive music activities.
Food
$15 per person catered lunch: tacos (vegetarian, chicken, or beef) with sides and a drink.
Prize drawings
Entries just for attending, with additional tickets available for purchase.
Family activities
Fun for children and families, including a photo booth. Halloween costumes for kids are optional!
Family Fun Day Flyer
Please share this flyer with families who may want to join us. Select the flyer to RSVP, and scan the codes at the bottom to pay for lunch with Venmo or Zeffy.
Lunch payments: Venmo @littlelightfoundation or Zeffy. When paying through Zeffy, let us know that it’s for lunch.
Open flyer