Make a Plan not Assumptions

Cyndi Najar • May 27, 2026

Why I help Families with Special Needs Make a Plan

Every once in a while, a story hits me so hard it stays with me.

Recently, someone reached out about a father and his daughter — living in a truck. Homeless. The daughter has Down Syndrome. Her mother passed away months ago, and Dad, overwhelmed by grief and responsibility, couldn’t keep up with the home. Eventually, they lost everything.

This didn’t happen because they didn’t love each other.

It happened because there was no plan.

This is why I do what I do.

My passion is helping families with special needs create a plan — a real, written, intentional plan — for their child’s future. A plan that protects their safety, their dignity, and their dreams long after Mom and Dad are gone.

Because here’s the truth:

You cannot assume another family member will step in.

Not out of lack of love — but out of reality.

These conversations must be had.

Expectations must be clear.

Contingencies must be written down.

No child or adult with special needs should ever slip through the cracks.

If you want guidance, I’m here to help:

www.cyndinajarlifemapping.com

But whether you work with me or not, please — make a plan. 

Your child deserves stability.

Your family deserves peace of mind.

And you deserve to know their future is protected.

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All families should create a letter of intent. It provides information and details about your family when you are no longer here to provide it. I can not tell you how many times I have called my mom to get information about an illness or accident on myself, so this information is valuable for every family to have but vital for families with individuals with disabilities. I get it is a daunting task..... SO let's break it up into monthly bite size bits. One eats the elephant one bite at a time!! Month 1 1. Information about Father. A. General Information a. Full Name b. Social Security Number c. Complete Address, Phone Numbers Home and Work d. Date of Birth e. Place of Birth: city, state, country f. Fluent Languages g. Religion h. Race i. Blood Type j. Number of siblings k. ? US Citizen B. Marital Status: Current Marital Status, Date of Marriage, Place of Marriage, Number of Children from Marriage. Then add the same information for any previous marriages. C. Family: List complete names of father’s siblings and parents, For those still living list their addresses, phone numbers, and pertinent biographical information 2. Repeat step 1 for Mother 3. Your Child or Children A. General information a. Full Name and what name they like to be called. b. Numbers: Social Security, Complete Address, Phone, Height, Weight, Shoe size, and clothing size. c. More details: Gender, race, fluent language, religion, and citizenship. d. Birth: List birthday and time, and any complications. Give Birth weight and height, place of birth and City and state were raised. e. Siblings: give detailed information both geographical and emotional (closeness to individual with disability) Include details on any spouses of siblings as well. f. Other relationships: friends or family child knows and likes, provide a description of the relationship. g. Guardians: if an adult has child been declared incompetent, Named Successors, provide details for any and all guardians, h. Advocates: list the people in order who you foresee acting as advocates for your child after your death. (Speak with them) i. Trustee: indicate if you have set up a Trust for your child and provide a list of Full Names, addresses and phone numbers of all trustees. j. Representative Payee: Indicate if you have one and provide the details. k. Power or Attorney: Indicate the type and provide details of individual. l. Final Arrangements: Describe any arrangements that have been made for your child’s funeral and burial. List individuals or company to contact. Also list any payments that have been made and what is covered by those payments. If you have not made specific arrangements indicate if Burial or Cremation is preferred.