ADS Spring 2-24 Newsletter

ADULT DAY SERVICES NEWSLETTER

Spring is here, and summer is around the corner!

- CLOSINGS-REMINDERS-

Monday, May 27

Memorial Day

Thursday, July 4

Independence Day

Friday, July 5

$25/mo activity fee

Grocery bags needed for community impact.

Water Days!

Water days will be starting soon. Keep in mind so you can prepare to send appropriate clothing for this activity.

Though there may be some cooler, rainy days still ahead, summer is around the corner! We are looking forward to utilizing the outdoor planters to grow some delicious produce to add to our garden salads for lunch.

We also look forward to putting on our bathing suits and heading to our recreational area’s water feature. Our staff enjoy this just as much as our participants. The porch swing circle is waiting for our seniors to don and converse while enjoying the laughter of other participants around. The basketball court is ready to feel the drum of tennis shoes and the fun, competitive games.

Our participants are excited to also get back out into the community to visit our different attractions, such as the Sedgwick County Zoo, Botanical Gardens, or a picnic at the Sedgwick County Park!

Photo from Disabilities Awareness Month

ADS

ADVENTURES

Enjoy a look back at the last few months at Adult Day Services!

Staff and particpants rocked their favorite teams for the Superbowl.

Participants showed ADS staff love and appreciation for Staff Appreciation week.

Everyone got their groove on at this year’s Valentines Dance.

Participants celebrated ADS’s third birthday at their new location with confetti eggs. Happy Birthday ADS!

Who says you need snow to build a snowman? Melissa, our activities coordinator, helped participants build their very own mini snowman.

Participants decorated their own masks for the ADS Mardi Gras parade around the building.

We broke out a pinata to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

Kathy James, ADS Program Manager

Kathy is the program manager at Adult Day Services. She has a heart for the participants we serve, and her leadership supports the best care plans for them in addition to guiding a positive culture for our staff.

She graduated from Emporia State University. With an extensive background of over 30 years in case management including running her own case management business for 12 years, makes her an asset to ADS.

Kathy is married to her sweetheart, Will, who is a retired Veteran. Together, they have a combined family. Kathy has two children, Zane (26) and Kaitlyn (22) and Will has two daughters, Shanna (28) and Amberlyn (17) and a granddaughter Callie (six). They also have two fur babies, Pepper and Chloe.

When she is not at work, she enjoys doing arts and crafts, refinishing furniture, antique shopping and traveling.

Multi-purpose room lunch assistant

Program room assistant

Food service assistant

If interested in volunteering, call our volunteer coordinator at 316-264-8344, ext. 1261.

Donations

Sweatshirts and pants

Adult sizes M, L, XL

T-Shirts, Adult sizes M, L, XL

Long sleeve shirts,

Adult sizes S - 3XL

If interested in donating, please bring items to our front desk to ensure we provide an in-kind gift receipt.

Upcoming events

All program rooms will be planning some fun field trips this summer!

In June, all rooms will be visiting:

Tanganika Exploration Place

Don’t forget to pack sun hats, sun glasses and sunscreen!

If you would like a calendar to be sent home with your loved one, please call the front desk at 316-942-2008.

Embracing Diversity: Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Month

March marked the observance of Developmental Disabilities Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting understanding and celebrating the diverse abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities. It’s an opportunity to recognize the unique strengths and challenges that shape their lives and to foster inclusivity in our communities.

Developmental disabilities encompass a wide range of conditions that affect cognitive, physical, communication and social skills. From autism spectrum disorder to Down syndrome, everyone’s experience is unique, highlighting the importance of embracing diversity and creating environments where everyone feels valued and supported.

One of the key goals of Developmental Disabilities Month is to promote inclusivity and acceptance. By understanding the experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This includes ensuring access to education, employment, healthcare, and recreational activities, as well as promoting policies that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.

It’s also a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities. Whether it’s in the arts, sports, academia or the workforce, people with developmental disabilities have made significant contributions to our communities. Their talents, creativity and resilience inspire us to challenge stereotypes and recognize the potential in every individual.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month traces its origins back to 1987 when President Ronald Reagan officially declared the observance. Since then, organizations, advocates, and communities have come together annually to promote understanding, inclusion, and the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities, aiming for a more inclusive society.

We are excited that your loved one is a participant at Adult Day Services at Catholic Charities and enjoy being able to be a part of their story!

What has been happening at ADS?

Melissa Moments

As the activity coordinator, I have the privilege of making sure all the activities, outings – well basically all the fun things happen at ADS.

The holiday Christmas program is one of our favorite things we do and a wonderful way to end the year. The participants take such pride in coming together as a group while wearing their new ADS shirts and performing for their loved ones.

January brought us Kansas Day and the participants had an Enrichment Week where the program rooms

learned all kinds of things about our home state. They made their own state flag and even sang along to the state song. We discussed what our state motto was and its meaning. A huge highlight was getting to watch “Wizard of Oz.”

On Valentine’s Day, we had our beloved dance and as always crowned an ADS king and queen! If you want to see happy people, you need to join us on dance days! They are the best days ever!!!

Flex activities are always available for participants by signing up for

the things they are interested in. The activities range from crafts to engaging games. We have done nail care, snowball toss, rock painting and more.

We are looking forward to what the rest of 2024 will bring ADS and will continue to share all our adventures in the months to come!

Valentine’s Day King and Queen

Why Adult Day Services?

ADS is a place to enjoy meeting new friends, having fun and enjoying recreational activities!

Do you have a student with a diagnosis related to an intellectual or developmental disability who recently graduated? ADS provides stability and routine along with recreational fun and socialization.

We are a program for adults 18 and up, with many unique individuals who are part of our program.

We also have a dual license for a senior program for those 55 and up that are struggling with Alzheimer’s, dementia or loneliness.

This program is great for caregivers as well so that they can

remain healthy in the community whilst caring for their loved one.

Our senior program serves our participants by providing activities and an opportunity to engage with others daily.

A unique piece to ADS is participants receive two hot meals a day at no extra cost!

Funding for this program is either through state waiver services or a private pay scale based on income.

If you know someone seeking services, please feel free to reach out to Adult Day Services at Catholic Charities at 316-942-2008.