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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Two wheels to freedom: Phoenix camp helps kids with disabilities learn to ride ... Rocker's old house vaults Williams into the spotlight ... Mail Tribune garners 11 first-place wins at ONPA ... Two wheels to freedom: Phoenix camp helps kids with disabilities learn to ride ... Rocker's old house vaults Williams into the spotlight ... Mail Tribune garners 11 first-place wins at ONPA ... Travel funds would help disabled woman reconnect with her father Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Dec. 22, 2014 at 12:01 AM Posted Dec. 22, 2014 at 12:01 AM » Social News Editor's note: Light One Candle is an annual series sponsored by the Mail Tribune that focuses on an individual, group or agency that could use a helping hand during the holiday season. Once that need is filled, donations may be distributed to others in need. After decades apart, this Medford woman has the chance to reconnect with the father she hardly knew. Until the woman can afford travel expenses to her father’s home on the coast, however, phone calls are their only mode of communication and hope for rekindling a relationship. The developmentally disabled woman’s mother was killed when she was a small child. Circumstances beyond her father’s control prevented him from caring for her, and the girl grew up in the foster-care system. Now 45, the woman eventually got married and, for many years, has received supported-living services through Living Opportunities. The nonprofit organization operates under the mission of giving people with developmental disabilities a place in the larger community, working for the same employers, living in the same neighborhoods and experiencing life in the way everyone else aspires.  The woman and her husband have their own apartment, and she is very active with the local Special Olympics program. One of life’s greatest joys came this year with an unexpected phone call from her father, who offered the chance to get to know one another again. Yet neither of them can finance the trip for a reunion on their meager incomes. Social Security is the woman’s only financial resource, supplemented by her husband’s small paychecks from delivering newspapers. Recreation and entertainment, in general, are not within this couple’s means. While a friend is willing to drive them to the coast, they lack funds for gas, food and just one night’s lodging. To give this father and daughter the holiday gift of a lifetime, call Christine Allwardt at Living Opportunities at 541-622-6248 or the general line at 541-772-1503. To see more Light One Candle stories, go to www.mailtribune.com/light-one-candle. — Sarah Lemon MailTribune.com Writer Posted Dec. 22, 2014 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501