Tapestry_SprSum18_Layout 1 5/8/2018 11:19 AM Page 1
spring/summer 2018
in this
ISSUE 2 Resident Celebrates
80th Birthday 3 Gala Breaks
Fundraising Record 5 Hops for Humanity
Donates Nearly $10,000 6 Little City Star
Shines on Stage
The Coleman Foundation Home Opens its Doors The Duffey Family Children’s Village continues its amazing growth as The Coleman Foundation Home opened its doors for eight residents earlier this year. This home is now the third in the village, increasing the number of residents in the new homes to 24 children who receive residential services at Little City. With a fourth home on the way, more than half of Little City’s children residents will live in the state-of-the-art homes and continue to move out of the outdated houses. The Coleman Foundation was instrumental in the creation of the third home, providing
a $500,000 grant to the project. Rosa Berardi, Program Officer at The Coleman Foundation, said the organization loves Little City’s mission and is always looking for ways to contribute. “The Coleman Foundation is proud to help build a home that will create a better future for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities,” Berardi said. “We have long supported Little City’s mission and values and we hope to continue our support in the future.” Another frequent supporter of Little City helped make the home a reality as the Zurich Foundation donated $18,000 to build the home’s sensory room, as they did for The Foglia Home. The sensory room is one of the most important features in the homes as it provides a safe and dynamic space to release energy and regulate emotions. In addition to the sensory room, each home features eight individual bedrooms for children to make their own, an activity room to socialize and a kitchen where residents learn about and take part in meal planning and preparation. The 24/7 support helps residents learn necessary life skills such as personal hygiene, social skills and creating and following a schedule, which prepares each individual for more independent living and potential community employment.
Made up of different colors, textures and threads, the individual elements of a tapestry are not impactful or dramatic, but when woven together, they create something extraordinary and purposeful. Like a tapestry, the lives and individual stories of those touched by the Little City mission create something moving and special.
Above: Individuals from Little City and The Coleman Foundation pose outside the third home for its grand opening. A $500,000 grant from The Coleman Foundation helped make the home a reality. Above right: Construction for Mario’s Home began in February. Thanks to the generosity of Little CIty’s donors, the home is now fully funded!
As the children settle into The Coleman Foundation Home, Little City has already broken ground on the fourth home, Mario’s Home, thanks to the incredible support from the Zervas and Duffey families. “The Duffey Family Children’s Village is incredibly important to Little City’s future as it allows us to provide the most comprehensive and modern services for children with autism,” said Shawn Jeffers, Executive Director of Little City. “It is thrilling to see The Coleman Foundation Home already changing lives and we are eager to complete Mario’s Home later this year.” No matter the size of the gift, Little City thanks all the supporters who continue to make this innovative children’s village thrive and expand.