foundation.

The More Than Project

Tax ID #: 88-1296800

the More Than Foundation

The More Than Project was co-founded in 2021 by Kate Swenson and Amanda DeLuca. With both women being special needs mothers, they understood the stress, exhaustion, and struggle that comes with special needs caregiving and wanted to serve others with the support they wish they had years ago. As time went on, they recognized that supporting the caregiver was important but wanted to explore avenues to support the special needs family unit as a whole. This inspired the More Than Project as the overseeing body for More Than a Caregiver, More Than a Sibling, and More Than a Diagnosis

More Than a Caregiver

The More Than a Caregiver Project provides free mental health counseling services to caregivers as they embark, navigate, and maintain the wellbeing of their child, while prioritizing their own needs.

More Than A Sibling

The More Than a Sibling Scholarship program offers funds to siblings of children with disabilities. Many people who are not touched by special needs fail to understand the way siblings are impacted. Whether it be financially or emotionally, siblings often carry a unique, but heavy weight.

Often as a family’s limited income and time must be used to obtain the needed services and support for the family member with special needs, the other children in the household are directly affected. The More Than a Sibling Scholarship program recognizes and blesses the children who walk alongside our special humans. So, they know how special they are themselves.

morethanateacher

The More Than a Teacher Initiative, with the help of some incredible partnerships, will be taking applications to provide fully equipped sensory spaces for teachers who are in need for their students. As we at The More Than Project brainstormed for our next initiative to give back, we wanted to thank the individuals who make an impact on not only people with disabilities but also their families. Click HERE to apply.

Meet Our Leadership

Amanda DeLuca, President

Amanda DeLuca lives in Ohio with her husband Sal, and is a mom of 2 to Monroe, and Jackson. Her son is on the autism spectrum and is what inspired her to begin her journey through advocacy in the IEP process. Amanda works in educational advocacy and proudly serves family both locally and remotely to empower them to come to the IEP table with confidence while working collaboratively with their team. Amanda is a business owner and enjoys teaching at her dance studio, and writing for her blog Jackson’s Journey, Jackson’s Voice. 

Kate Swenson, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

Kourtney Bryan, Secretary

Kourtney Bryan is a proud wife, work-from-home mom, accountant and science nerd. After 12 years in corporate accounting and finance, Kourtney began a new career as a stay-at-home mom with her four children. Shortly after, her then three-year-old son began to struggle with a multitude of health issues. At the age of five, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder yet his physical and mental health continued to decline. With the help of her husband Glen, opinions were sought from the country's top geneticists, metabolic specialists, neurologists and immunologists who have been instrumental to piece together treatments to help her son's health improve. Kourtney is an advocate for other parents and families who desire to seek medical help for their children's health. Kourtney lives in Lake Elmo, Minnesota with her husband and four children, Katherine, Sydney, David and Madelyn.

Ryan LeFevers, Treasurer

Ryan LeFevers is married to his lovely wife Kristin and is a proud father of two handsome autistic boys, Parker and Dustin. Whether he’s pushing them on the swings, playing guitar for them, or chasing them around the house, he enjoys spending as much time with them as possible. He works as Vice President in Product Management for a financial institution, and in his spare time enjoys playing guitar and racing cars. He is a proud member of the El Mirage 200 MPH club achieving a class record of 216 MPH. Ryan has recorded and wrote songs for rock bands, and now mostly plays guitar for his kids. Ryan recently started a Facebook and Instagram page, to share a dad’s view of raising autistic kids.

Join Us

More Ways You Can Help

Little Rebels with a Cause

Little Rebels with a Cause will donate 10% of all purchases to The More Than Project from June 2022 through September 2022. Click HERE to shop. 
 

Trev's Trades

Trev's Trades will donate 10% of all purchases to The More Than Project from January 2023 through April 2023. Use code CAREGIVER10. Click HERE to shop. Click HERE to shop.

More Than Project Merchandise

A portion of the proceeds from the I Am More Line will be given to The More Than Project. Hoodies, Tees, Tanks, Mugs, and more. Click HERE to shop.

The Spotlight Project

The Spotlight Project will give $5 of each purchased I Am More Bracelet or The More Than Project. All bracelets are handmade by an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability. Click HERE to shop.

Ash + FLAX

Ash + FLAX will donate 10% of all purchases to The More Than Project from January 2023 through April 2023. Use code CAREGIVER10 for an additional 10% off. Click HERE to shop.

Donate Directly

You can donate directly to The More Than Project. 100% of your donation will go towards project work. Click HERE to donate.