Pictured, left to right, are Siskin Children’s Institute CEO John Farrimond and SunTrust Bank Vice President of Commercial Banking Kevin Smith
In 2015, Siskin Children’s Institute created the Siskin Testing and Assessment Relief (STAR) program to help families with the expenses associated with critical services.
"For many Chattanooga families with children who may have a developmental delay, it can be difficult to obtain the testing and assessments needed for diagnosis due to lack of insurance coverage or being under insured. These evaluations are the gateway to getting help for many children with special needs. Unfortunately insurance companies will often times not cover these initial expenses leaving families with few options.
"Thanks to the generosity of the SunTrust Foundation, who gave $10,000 to support the program, many more families in the region will receive the help they need. The Institute is grateful to the SunTrust Foundation for helping to bridge the gap between insurance reimbursements and coverage for families with children who have special needs," officials said.
“Giving children with special needs and their families the greatest opportunity for success in life is something we care deeply about at SunTrust. That’s why we’re pleased to support an organization such as Siskin Children’s Institute that does just that for our community,” said Kevin Smith, regional vice president of Commercial Banking.
“Community partners like the SunTrust Foundation are vital to our mission of serving children with special needs. They understand, at a fundamental level, the importance of giving back to the communities they serve. This gift will impact many children’s lives at an early and critical stage. Truly they are helping make a difference,” said Institute CEO John Farrimond.