Dreams Don't Have
to Change
Barbara Stone started a movement over fifty years ago to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Barbara Stone made a difference and so can you.
67,016
People ages 18-64 in Greenville County
with a Disability
US Census
$21,500+
Total Fall 2025 Grants Awarded
Individuals with disabilities can flourish
Barbara Stone was a champion for individuals with disabilities. She started a movement over fifty years ago that forever improved the lives of individuals with disabilities. She was a community and family member, just like you.
You can make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities by supporting the Barbara Stone Foundation. We believe that all individuals with disabilities can flourish when given the opportunity. Please join us and together we will serve as champions for individuals with disabilities.
How We're Making a Change
"The Road to Possibilities - Opportunity Fair" Feb 5, 2026
The Road to Possibilities – Opportunity Fair will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 and will be held at University Center (McAlister Square). Hosted by Greenville County Schools and The Barbara Stone Foundation, this transition-focused resource fair brings together students with disabilities, families, educators, and community partners to explore career paths, programs, and services that support life after high school.
Job Opening: UP (Upward Professionals) Employment Initiative
We’re hiring a Job Liaison for the Barbara Stone Foundation’s UP Employment Initiative—a holistic employment support model that empowers individuals with disabilities toward meaningful employment, community engagement, and self-defined independence. This role combines individualized participant support, employer engagement, program facilitation, and initiative development. To apply, send your cover letter and resume to Lara Ceisel at lara@barbarastonefoundation.org.
CAN Talks General Interest Meeting
Are you interested in learning what it takes to be a CAN Talks speaker? Attend our CAN Talks General Interest Meeting at Judson Mill on February 25, 2026 where you can meet past CAN Talks speakers, learn about the expectations for speakers and meet the 2026 coaches.
If you’d like to attend, or have questions, please reach out to Melissa Sanders at melissa@barbarastonefoundation.org
Accepting Nominations for the Barbara Stone Community Leadership Award
The Barbara Stone Community Leadership Award honors an individual who has shown the same commitment, initiative and spirit as Barbara. Nominate someone living in the Upstate of SC who embodies some of the same characteristics as Barbara by clicking the link to the nomination form. Nominations close on February 3, 2026.
Barbara Bithday Bash March 7
It’s time to celebrate the late, great Barbara Stone and her incredible impact on the entire Upstate community.
Come celebrate at Barbara’s 93rd Birthday, with our annual Birthday Bash! The evening will include an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a live auction, and live music.
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Location: St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s Theodore Hellenic Center
Share Your Memories of Barbara Stone
Help us celebrate the Barbara Stone Foundation’s 35th anniversary with a special exhibit at the Upcountry History Museum. We’re inviting our community to share photos, stories, and memorabilia that reflect Barbara’s lasting impact on the disability community in Greenville and beyond. Your contributions will help preserve and honor her extraordinary legacy.
Newsletter Submission Form
If your organization would like to be featured in the Community Events, Opportunities, and Resources section of our upcoming issue, please fill out the details below.
Community Innovations Grant
We’ve updated our Community Innovations Grant application process for 2025 to better serve our community—click the button below to explore the changes and submit your application.
Every donation, large and small affects positive change.
Within our generation, people with disabilities were locked away from society with a belief that they had nothing useful to contribute. Although much progress has been made in the past fifty years, individuals with disabilities still struggle to be seen, heard, valued, and included.
YOU can be the difference. Together, we can achieve our vision of a community where all individuals with disabilities flourish.
