Challenged Child and Friends in Gainesville has changed its name, taking a Finnish word officials say better describes the program’s mission as it serves children of all abilities and needs. Sisu is the new name of the organization, founded in 1985, focusing on special-needs children ages 6 weeks to 6 years in 14 Northeast Georgia counties by pairing them with their typically developing peers. “The meaning of Sisu talks about a spirit to go forward, to believe that you’re capable of trying to achieve against odds that might be discouraging and that you’re in a place that is encouraging,” said Cathy Drerup, who served as executive director of the organization from 1988-2007 and was involved in focus groups that were a part of the process of coming up with the new name.