The Sibling Support Initiative began as a Girl Scout Gold Award project- a prestigious honor that challenges high school aged Girl Scouts to identify a community need and create a sustainable solution. Inspired by personal experience as the sister of a brother on the autism spectrum, founder Becca Sasser recognized a lack of safe spaces for siblings like herself to connect and find support. After realizing how important it was for siblings to have their own community, she reached out to Grafton, her brother's school that serves students with disabilities. Partnering with Grafton staff, she worked closely to design a peer-led support group tailored for middle and high school siblings. Together, they developed plans for both in-person meetings and a virtual community, aiming to create a welcoming environment where siblings feel heard and supported.
The team behind this project
A Girl Scout and high schooler who was inspired by her experience as a sibling with a special needs brother to create this group. She created the program and leads the social media, the in-person meetings, and the virtual community.
Principal of Grafton School Inc.
She played a key role in bringing this project to life. By providing insight, resources, and a platform for collaboration, she helped turn a personal vision into a meaningful, school-connected program.
Ronnika Davis, Latara Swepson, Tanisha Sailes, and Delvon Turner.
The Grafton team has been an essential part of developing this project. Their experience working with students with special needs and their families helped shape the structure, content, and goals of the program.
Becca's mother and the leader of her Girl Scout troop. She supported this project from the very beginning. She helped shape the project plan, provide feedback, and offer guidance.
The Sibling Support Initiative would also like to thank the following schools and organizations for contributing to this project:
Jacob's Chance
The Faison Center
Autism Society of Central Virginia
The Spiritos School
Northstar Academy
Commonwealth Autism
Chesterfield County Public Libraries