Fluency Program to Support Jacob's Goal of Fluent Speech

We are asking for friends and family to assist us to make it possible for Jacob, our 12 year old son to be able to participate in an intensive 2 week fluency treatment program that is only private pay. Dr. Ross Barrett has been around for decades and his program has proved to be very successful and has changed countless lives. At a young age 3 years old or so we picked up on Jacob's speech and sensed possible stuttering. He was evaluated and we were told he is a fast talker and will grow out of it. Several years later he still struggled with stuttering and around 2019/2020 we had him evaluated and he was formally diagnosed with stuttering and over the years had speech therapy with very minimal improvement. I was aware of Dr. Barrett's program because my own mother took his class and it changed her life. People travel all over the world and nationally to take his program. It is truly one of a kind and to be here and have him scheduled for this summer is a true miracle. Why is that, let me tell you:

June 2021 contacted Dr. Barrett and he shared minimum age they work with is 10 years old and advised to call back in 1 year and have him do speech therapy in the meantime.

January 2023 called Dr. Barrett and shared he was no longer taking new clients, but referred me to his protege's program Hollins Institute in Roanoke, VA that offered the same program. Their minimum age was 12 years old and advised to call back when 12 years old.

February 2025 go to look up Hollins to get Jacob in for an evaluation now that he is 12 to find out they have closed their doors, the founder retured. Called Dr. Ross Barrett on what to do and I speak to him directly to tell me he is willing to take him as a patient for 2 weeks this summer, even though he told himself he would take the summer off. You can tell his heart, passion and talent for helping people who deal with stuttering. 

This fundraiser does come with urgency, because Dr. Ross Barrett could retire anytime and it is unkown what will happen to the program. I had hoped and planned to be setting aside funds for this day, but it has been challenging and I have not been able to do so. It is only private pay and within the next 2 weeks $800 deposit is due to secure his spot and the rest due June 16th, his first day. If you wish to donate toward this cause outside of this donation platform you can reach out to me.

I have learned it takes a village to raise kids and I am asking for our village to come together to make it possible for Jacob to attend this specialized and one and only fluency center treatment. Jacob is going to commit 12 days total including the weekend to partake in 10 week days at ODU 9am-3:30pm training as well as the weekend with the special machine that helps which help stutterers retrain their speech muscles to produce fluent speech.

Life is more expensive than ever, so this ask does not come lightly, but it comes with an advanced thank you for your support. Please visit this link to ready more about this program that I know will change Jacob's life and set him up for success to reach his goals with clear speech. As he is about to turn 13 he has expressed his frustration with his speech and is committed and ready to engage 100% so he can communicate with confidence. His speech has not stopped him yet! 

He is a 6th grader at Hampton Christian High School. Currently playing Jr. High Baseball, has a 4.0 GPA for 3rd quarter of school, active with his church youth group at FLC and loves hanging out with his friends and gaming with them as well. We are proud of him! Please support him in this endeavor. He is quite the comedian as well and he can then confidently and smoothly tell all the jokes he has up his sleeve. LOL. 

Please read below about the treatment program: 

Meet Ross S. Barrett - The Precision Fluency Shaping Program

Thanks so much,

Megan Fortner on behalf of Jacob