Life Enrichment Funding Request - $15,000

According to the CDC, 17% of children ages 3-17 have one or more developmental disabilities. This data underscores the need for general health, education and social services, as well as more specialized health services for people with developmental disabilities of all ages. Our Life Enrichment programs encompass a variety of services that address health, education and social needs. These programs directly tie to the J’s mission of “promote inclusivity,” welcoming individuals of all abilities by providing the necessary support and accommodations.

This past year we have served more than 150 unique individuals in our various Life Enrichment programs and services. A major highlight has been the addition of the Sensory Studio which many of our participants and families have loved and benefited from tremendously. The Theatre Unlimited performance of The Wizard of Oz was an amazing learning experience for the actors and the performances were loved by all The success of the production is also seen in the revenue generated from ticket sales when compared to previous productions:

Life Enrichment Services provide support to all who need it for participation in J programs. Many of our participants in the Fit for Life personal training program have returned to the J and we are adding trainers to accommodate a growing need. Life Enrichment Services are designed to meet the individual needs of participants who generally benefit from as they strive for success within community and recreation settings. We currently offer several adaptive recreation pursuits such as Personal Training, Adaptive Aquatics, Group Dance Fitness, and inclusive Day Camp as well as a theater program and social groups for adults with disabilities.

As already addressed in the IN Program section above, finding qualified people to hire has been a challenge and this hardship was felt strongly this summer when hiring for camp. A counselor supporting a camper with a disability needs to have specialized knowledge and training to best support that individual. The staff members who have this necessary knowledge and training have stated that the rate of pay is too low at the J and have found jobs elsewhere. Thus, to recruit and hire the best staff in the industry, we are increasing our hourly rates to be competitive with the other similar camps/summer jobs in the area.

Theatre Unlimited is a barrier-free theatre where participants act, sing and dance. Theatre Unlimited is one of St. Louis’ oldest theatre companies for adults with disabilities. We provide an opportunity for people to meet new friends, gain confidence, and build a multitude of skills.

Sunday Friendship Group empowers our participants to make new friends and explore St. Louis. On two Sundays each month, the group meets for fun activities, offering opportunities to make new friends and hang out with old ones. Sunday Friendship allows participants to build upon their social skills resulting in increased confidence and life-long friendships!

Fit for Life provides personal training support for people with developmental disabilities at a significantly subsidized cost. This program helps these individuals improve their overall health and development through personalized sessions (either 1:1 or 2:1) that focus on social, cognitive, and physical skills.

• Aquatics helps people with disabilities develop a personal swimming style through the support of a Water Safety Instructor (WSI)- certified instructor.

• Group X features a modified Zumba class, complete with dancing, for a great workout. Participants learn Zumba dance steps while working on fitness with friends.

• Personal Training Children and adults with developmental disabilities work 1:1 or 1:2 with nationally certified personal trainers to set fitness and independence goals to become their healthiest self. Each workout is customized to fit the needs of the individual and the trainer tracks progress toward the set goals.

J Day Camps provide dedicated “shadow” counselors to over thirty children with disabilities to ensure that all campers have a fun and successful summer. Through our camp program all children gain a better understanding and acceptance of children of all abilities.

Teen Skills Camp helps older children with disabilities acquire essential social and vocational skills as they transition into adulthood. Participants spend time in the community, engaging in a variety of interesting volunteer and recreational activities, as well as enjoying traditional camp activities such as swimming and cooking.

From one of our Theatre Unlimited families:

“He did it and he was AMAZING!! Thank you to Theatre Unlimited for giving Zack this opportunity to play Gaston!! He loves being on stage, he loves learning lines, singing and acting – because of you, he was able to do all of that!! His dream of having a leading roll and working with a great group of people, who are now his friends, is just the start of this awesome theatre experience. To quote Zach ‘I have never felt more included.’”

--Mom of participant