AT&T Inc. has awarded Challenged Child and Friends a $5,000 grant from its AT&T CARES program. The funding received from AT&T will assist Challenged Child and Friends as it provides its unique program of integrating typical children and children with developmental delays and disabilities.

The nonprofit preschool, which serves children from 6 weeks to age 6, specializes in early intervention for children with disabilities while including them in classes with typical kids.

“We are so appreciative of AT&T’s financial support of Challenged Child and Friends,” said Amy Gates, Challenged Child and Friends Executive Director/CEO. “Grants like these give us the opportunity to provide needed services to families in our area.”

The contribution is part of a special initiative that awards local funding based on the nominations of AT&T employee groups. The AT&T CARES Special Contribution Program, established in 2007, gives these groups with a strong record of volunteerism the ability to identify nonprofits making a local impact. This year, through the nominations of AT&T Pioneer chapters, employee resource groups and international regions, AT&T plans to provide $265,000 in contributions to 53 organizations.

This specific nomination was made by the Gainesville-based Northeast Georgia Mountaineers Council of the Georgia AT&T Pioneer Chapter. Members of this council routinely support projects and programs at Challenged Child and Friends.