Meet Caroline Giguere and Francie Todd | Co-Founders of KIND of the Upstate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caroline Giguere and Francie Todd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caroline Giguere and Francie Todd, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind the establishment of the non-profit KIND of the Upstate all boils down to two moms on a mission to make this world a kind and inclusive place for their sons with disabilities. Here is their story.

KIND of the Upstate was established as a non-profit in 2020 by two moms, Caroline Giguere and Francie Todd. KIND stands for Kids Including and Nurturing Disabilities. Caroline and Francie have sons with disabilities and founded KIND to help make the Upstate community a more inclusive and kind place for their sons and others with disabilities. Caroline’s son, Row, was born with a rare genetic condition called KIF11, which contributes to multiple medical diagnoses, but his most obvious disability is blindness. Francie’s son, Hall, received a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome, which required a long stay in the NICU and multiple surgeries. Caroline and Francie understand that their sons are different from other children due to their special abilities, but what they have found deeply moving is how their brothers are able to look past their differences and see them for who they really are, Row and Hall. Caroline and Francie quickly realized if their own children are able to understand that a disability does not define a person, other children could understand these principles too. Therefore, the empathy of their children lead both Caroline and Francie to form KIND of the Upstate.

KIND’s mission is to advocate for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion of people with disabilities. In the Upstate of South Carolina and throughout the nation, disabilities are common. In the United States, approximately 1 in 50 children have a disability. In today’s culture, discussing disabilities can be intimidating and difficult regardless of one’s age. KIND’s main goal is to make the Upstate of South Carolina a kind and welcoming place for those with disabilities. KIND believes that learning kindness and compassion at an elementary age can provide lifelong benefits for all children. KIND aims to teach students that it is okay to be different, and it is okay to ask questions regarding disabilities. They provide children with knowledge and tools to be comfortable around an individual with a disability and to understand that disabilities are not frightening; in fact they are a part of life.

After researching programs centered around kindness and inclusion, KIND co-founders were astounded to find that curricula based on these principles were not utilized in most schools. Teaching students about disabilities and the power of inclusion can have a huge impact on the students and their teachers by promoting a more empathetic classroom. By providing early intervention, KIND can change students’ perceptions of differences and disabilities. Children, who are taught kindness and inclusion in early childhood, can have tools for healthier relationships and personal successes later in life. Therefore, the idea of establishing KIND Days, a comprehensive learning experience centered around teaching first, second, and third grade students about disabilities, was created.

KIND believes books are a natural gateway for open discussions regarding people with disabilities, and the classroom is a perfect environment to start these important conversations. Over fifty books were initially examined, and ultimately three were chosen based on their diverse representation of disabilities, races, targeted age groups, illustrations, and teaching tips for parents. The books chosen are titled: Everyone Belongs by Heather Avis (1st grade), When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb (2nd grade), and Just Ask by Sonia Sotomayor (3rd grade). KIND then created an age appropriate curriculum for each book with educational materials and interactive discussions to complete the comprehensive learning experience.

During a KIND Day, a KIND volunteer reads one of the above book selections to a classroom of students. Afterwards, the students meet new friends with disabilities via a PowerPoint presentation, perform a coloring and writing activity, while engaging in powerful discussions regarding disabilities, inclusion, and kindness. Lastly, the students recite and sign the Pledge of Kindness, promising to be both kind and inclusive.

At the end of each KIND Day, every student receives their very own copy of the book read during the KIND Day, along with other educational materials to encourage the conversation at home regarding inclusion and kindness. KIND believes that inclusion of those with disabilities starts with the individual who can then transform families and communities, thus creating a ripple effect.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Starting a nonprofit is a tedious endeavor. In order to begin a nonprofit, there must be a strong passion and purpose behind the endeavor. KIND of the Upstate was started by two Upstate moms, Caroline Giguere and Francie Todd. Both Caroline and Francie have deep passion for their children and their community. When they started KIND, they wanted the community to get to know their children and many other children who share similar stories. KIND stands for Kids Including and Nurturing Differences. As a nonprofit, KIND seeks to advocate for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion of people with disabilities. KIND believes that the inclusion of others starts with the individual, who can then transform families and communities around the world.

Marshall Johnson, founder of Greenville’s Gift, was instrumental to Caroline and Francie in during the nonprofit formation process. She was a tremendous resource to both of them and still provides insight when they have questions and/or concerns. A large amount of work goes into creating a nonprofit. Work such as establishing a 501c3, creating a logo, creating a website, and establishing social media platforms. Furthermore, fundraising is a huge endeavor and requires both diligence and patience. Having a resource like Marshall Johnson was huge for Caroline and Francie. She was able to help them navigate the creation of KIND and continues to help them navigate the nonprofit world.

Furthermore, as KIND has grown and has become more established, changes to the curriculum and age levels have been made. KIND of the Upstate focuses on educating children through children’s books during their KIND Day Program. An entire lesson plan is centered around the book read during the KIND Day. In the beginning, KIND was focusing on 4k and 5K classes. After visiting 4K and 5K classes, Caroline and Francie realized that the children understood kindness but not necessarily disabilities. Thus, Caroline and Francie decided to try their KIND Day lesson plans with older students, specifically first, second, and third graders.

Francie and Caroline want the world to understand that having a disability is human. It is normal. Everyone in this world has different abilities and different attributes that set them apart from one another. As humans, we all desire to be accepted and treated with kindness. Through our lessons and KIND Days, we hope to share this insight with first, second, and third graders throughout the Upstate, creating a kind and inclusive community for all.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Greenville is such a gorgeous city and full of tons of activities for all ages. Greenville offers an abundance of culinary, shopping, and outdoor experiences. As far as a weekend itinerary, we would suggest staying at the Grand Bohemian Hotel and enjoying the beautiful views of Falls Park and the Reedy River. Upon arrival to the hotel, put on your walking shoes and head take a walk around Falls Park. It is such a beautiful area and you will be sure to see plenty of gorgeous views. Head to M. Judson bookstore to grab a coffee and pick out a new book. For lunch, we would suggest Jianna or Automatic Taco. After lunch, check out tons of fabulous boutiques along mainstream. Some of our favorites include, Monkees of the West End and Augusta 20. For cocktails, we recommend the Grand Bohemian’s restaurant, Between the Trees. Great views and delicious cocktails. For dinner, we suggest CAMP. Camp is a fabulous restaurant with a unique menu. Greenville is such a fun and unique city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, Caroline and Francie are thankful for their sons, Row Giguere and Hall Todd, who both were born with disabilities. Without being blessed with their two incredible boys, KIND of the Upstate would have never come to fruition.

Secondly, Caroline and Francie would love to recognize and thank their other sons, Tripp Giguere, Gray Giguere and Barrett Todd for also inspiring them to create and continue KIND’s mission. Row’s brothers and Hall’s brother were the ones who showed them that disabilities can be normalized through education and friendships. Despite Row and Hall’s differences, their brothers see them for exactly who they are, Row and Hall.

Thirdly, their families. For believing in their mission to promote acceptance, inclusion and kindness and encouraging them to take the leap of faith to start KIND of the Upstate.

Last but not least, the KIND community. The outpouring of love and support from the KIND community, has paved the way for KIND to be a successful organization in the Upstate. Caroline and Francie are sincerely grateful for the generous donations they have received over the years to establish KIND into a well known non-profit in the Upstate of South Carolina. Through KIND supporters and donators, KIND has been able to build a strong foundation for children built on kindness and inclusion that will sustain into adulthood.

Website: kindoftheupstate.org

Instagram: @kindoftheupstate

Facebook: KIND of the Upstate