SPECIAL IN PROGRAM EVENTS
Fashion Show 3/22/23
Prom 5/24/23
Success Story:
Just one story of many we could share: Dinaz joined the program in February 2017. As a young woman with Down Syndrome, Dinaz is short in stature and communicates non-verbally which often leads to her being overlooked. As a result, when she first joined, Dinaz was shy, reserved, and kept to herself during all activities. She struggled with weight, making it difficult for her to find clothing and to have the stamina to walk long distances. Dinaz has made so many positive strides since joining the IN program. She can now walk the track for more than 45 minutes without requiring a break and has begun to lose weight. She has formed friendships and seeks out communication and interaction with her peers. This is especially noticeable during dances at the ADJ Dinaz used to sit off on the side, but she now seeks out dance partners and is often found in the center of the dance floor. Dinaz participates in all activities and has acquired a variety of coping skills to utilize in moments when she is frustrated. Dinaz’s mother has expressed on multiple occasions how many positive changes that she has seen in Dinaz and contributes these to the IN program.
Family Quotes
Evidence of our success comes from multiple sources. We see it on the faces of our participants and in the eyes of our families. We love and appreciate the notes we get that remind us every single day that our work is so important.
“Our family recently experienced a sudden, tragic event. I was so comforted in knowing that I had the IN program for my child to attend. The staff are so compassionate, and I knew that she would be safe, comforted, and supported through the many changes and challenges that she would face. The IN program has been a blessing through the routine day to day, and I have witnessed so many improvements, but the program was especially invaluable during the challenging phases of life.”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about the IN program. Our son has grown exponentially since attending the program and, as a parent, there is nothing better than watching our child gain confidence and a sense of purpose.”
“The staff are incredible. Our son has been experiencing increased anxiety episodes lately and the staff have gone above and beyond to meet with our family, get a proper understanding of his anxiety triggers, and then working closely with him to provide proper coping strategies. We couldn’t be happier with the support that our son and family receives. ”
It is because of the leadership support from Miracle Makers that this is all possible! Thank you!
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:
Spring ‘23 Wizard of Oz
Fall/Winter ‘22 Fiddler on Roof
Spring ‘22 Beauty and Beast
447 total tickets
310 total tickets
328 total tickets
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 community 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.
Overview of Life Enrichment Programs
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
Expansion of Adult Day/IN Program to West County- Update
The need for Adult Day services in West County continues to grow. The entire industry struggles with long wait lists as capacity is limited by limited space and staffing struggles. Adult Day at the J is witnessing the impacts of these challenges as inquiry calls for both the senior and young adult programs continue to increase. Several individuals have heard word of the upcoming expansion at our Marilyn Fox Building and have already asked to be put on the wait list, even though it may be 2 years before opening.
There is an urgent need for services for young adults with disabilities and seniors with cognitive/physical concerns in the Chesterfield area. According to the recent Census Data, within 5 miles of the Marilyn Fox Building there are 21,767 individuals 65+, and 4,012 individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability. Currently, within 5 miles of the Marilyn Fox building there is only one licensed adult day program in Chesterfield (Garden View Center which has capacity for 25 people) and zero providers of Department of Mental Health (DMH) day services.
The Adult Day at the J Program (ADJ) at the Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur is seen as the gold standard for Adult Day Services, and many families have stated that they would only feel comfortable sending their loved one to the J. However, due to the lengthy wait list, many of these families will be waiting for years and may not have the opportunity to benefit from all that the ADJ could provide for their loved one.
In addition to creating prime space for an addition location of our ADJ program, the project at our Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield will also include a total rehab and upgrade of the building. We are currently in the quiet phase of a capital campaign of approximately $11 million. To date $5.5 million has already have been committed.
THANK YOU!
If you have questions or want any additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are happy to provide you with anything that would help you come to a decision on our proposal.
Thank you for your consideration of this request, Penni!
Most importantly, thank you for all that you have done for the people in our community. We are profoundly grateful to you for your continued investments and belief in our programs. On behalf of all of the participants and families who will benefit from these programs, THANK YOU!
