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OUR MISSION: Empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their individual potential.

A Letter from the CEO

This past quarter has been one I would describe as full of accomplishments in both our adult and children’s programs. The Lakemary School Class of 2026 graduated with family and friends joining to celebrate. This is always a big day at Lakemary for the graduates, their families and our team. We also hosted our 3 annual Boots and Bow Ties event raising needed funds for our Occupational Therapy department’s desire to add more to our classrooms and our Discovery Center for our rd children. Our adults showed great determination participating in the Kansas Special Olympics Track and Field competition.

We are also ending our fiscal year with a positive budget, and we are proud to say we are debt free as an organization. This is something we have worked very hard to achieve and shows the focus our entire team on delivering high quality programs for those we support. We couldn’t do this without your support and encouragement – THANK YOU! I am so thankful for the families, our 430+ team members, donors, volunteers and partners who help us create great days every day for our children and adults.

With heartfelt appreciation,

TEDDI HERNANDEZ President & CEO

Boots & Bowties: A Night of Impact and Community

Boots & Bowties was an incredible success, bringing our community together for an unforgettable evening in support of Lakemary Center.

We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors whose commitment and partnership made this event possible. Your support not only fueled a wonderful celebration, but more importantly, it is making a lasting difference in the lives of those we support.

Because of your generosity, funds raised from this year’s event will directly benefit Lakemary’s programs, with a special focus on enhancing our Occupational Therapy services. This includes the purchase of new, specialized equipment that will empower our Occupational Therapists to deliver the highest level of care and support to the individuals we support every day.

Lakemary Graduation 2026

In May, Lakemary School proudly celebrated the graduation of four outstanding students, marking an important milestone in their educational journeys. Family members, staff, and friends gathered to honor their achievements and hard work. Father David Wilcox of St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church joined us to share

a beautiful benediction as we celebrated this special occasion together. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and excited to see what they accomplish in the future. One graduate will continue their journey with Lakemary by transitioning into our AIM (Achieving Independent Milestones to Succeed) Post-Graduate Program, designed to help young adults with special needs build vocational, life, and independent living skills as they prepare for greater independence within their community.

Congratulations to the Lakemary School Class of 2026!

To the Stars 5K Fun Run & Walk

Thank you to everyone who participated in the To the Stars 5K Fun Run & Walk in support of Lakemary. We are grateful to our event partners—the Paola Recreation Commission, Midwest Timing & Results, and Chris Cakes—for helping make this community event a success. Congratulations to all of our participants and race winners!

Special Olympics

Lakemary was proud to participate in the Kansas Special Olympics Track & Field competition, where more than 50 children and adults took part in this inspiring event. Opportunities like these highlight the importance of inclusion, teamwork, and personal achievement, and we are so proud of every athlete who represented Lakemary!

DIDYOU KNOW?

Adults with intellectual disabilities (IDD) often face persistent barriers to employment, shaped by long-standing misconceptions and systemic challenges. Yet, when given the opportunity, these individuals bring dedication, pride, and meaningful contributions to the workplace.

At Lakemary Center, our Job Coaches are helping to rewrite this narrative by partnering with 35 employers across the greater Kansas City area to foster inclusive workplaces and open doors to opportunity. Through these partnerships, 64 Adults have secured meaningful, purpose-driven employment.

Ryan Vilinsky

Empowering Adults Through Community Employment

Ryan Vilinsky is a remarkable individual whose journey with Lakemary’s community employment program reflects a strong commitment to personal growth and independence

Diagnosed with Down syndrome, Ryan has consistently demonstrated an outstanding work ethic, a positive attitude, and a passion for learning.

Since May 2021, Ryan has been employed at Goodwill, where he continues to excel in his role with minimal supervision while receiving

Job Olympics

support from a job coach. His reliability, dedication, and attention to detail have made him a valued member of the team.

Beyond Ryan’s workplace accomplishments, he enjoys exploring his artistic talents through art and music. He shares that these creative pursuits allow him to utilize his attention to detail and organizational skills while expressing himself in meaningful ways. His enthusiasm for both personal and professional growth serves as an inspiration to those around him.

Thanks to your support, Lakemary School students continue to build meaningful job and life skills that prepare them for independence and opportunity. At this year’s Job Olympics in Spring Hill, KS students proudly showcased these abilities, demonstrating teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance. They represented Lakemary with confidence and pride, reminding us all what is possible with the right support.

“Ultimately, successful employment experiences lead to stronger community connections and a greater sense of independence and well-being for our Adults.”

Tracy Price, Chief Program Officer Adult Services

Community Partners Making a Difference

Great moments happen every day at Lakemary, and thanks to the generosity of our community partners, those moments often become Great Days filled with connection and joy for the children and adults we support.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paola donated welcome items for new admissions, while students from Saint James Academy and volunteers from Holmes Murphy generously shared their time supporting projects and activities that helped create meaningful experiences and strengthened our community.

These acts of service remind us that generosity comes in many forms. Thank you to everyone who has shared their time and talents with Lakemary. Together, you help create Great Days.

Interested in making a difference? Contact Meredith Harter at Meredith.harter@lakemary.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Inspired To Make A Difference

At Lakemary, the adults we support are not only receiving services—they are making meaningful contributions to the communities they call home.

For more than 14 years, Lakemary has partnered with Meals on Wheels,

viding opportunities to deliver meals and meaningful connections to neighbors who depend on the service

Through this partnership, volunteers contribute more than 2,000 hours of service each year,

demonstrating the power of purpose, inclusion, and community engagement

Their dedication shows that when individuals are empowered to reach their potential, they enrich not only their own lives but also the communities they serv .

Church of Jesus Christ of LDS

Teaming Up with

Something exciting is on the horiz e partnering with Inclusion Connections, a local nonprofit that also supports adults with special needsfor a special event in September. Stay tuned for more details on ho tion will bring our communities together to create meaningful impact. September 3, 2026 11-1:00PM

Don’t Miss Your Tee Time!

We’re gearing up for the Lakemary Golf Classic with NFL Hall of Famer Will Shields, coming up on October 12, 2026 at Shadow Glen Golf Club! This premier event continues to be a favorite in our community and a vital fundraiser, bringing together Friends of Lakemary for a day of golf, connection, and impact

Mark your calendars now! you won’t want to miss it!