KenCrest’s Community-Based Services and Meaningful Day programs received a $10,000 grant to support memberships and classes for those with IDD.
By Sydney Kerelo
Earlier this year, KenCrest’s Meaningful Day initiative was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Legacy Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Plymouth Meeting, PA, that was started in 2003 by the Legacy Advisors to support adults and children in need as well as other charitable organizations that are in pursuit of educational, scientific, charitable, and religious purposes.
KenCrest’s Meaningful Day initiative enables adults with disabilities to choose and participate in activities that excite and interest them. It encourages them to safely, comfortably, and innovatively transition out of traditionally segregated day programs and into integrated community-based activities that provide happiness, confidence, and connectivity with their communities.
But for many of the people KenCrest supports, financial constraints can limit their ability to learn new skills or engage in activities.
Consider this: if someone wanted to learn how to cook, they would typically enroll in a cooking class. However, these classes come with a hefty price of approximately $300 or $400 per session, which many individuals can’t afford. The Legacy Foundation grant, however, changes that. It covers the cost of all memberships or classes, making it possible for these individuals to pursue their interests, learn new skills, and, most importantly, build relationships with others who share their passions.
“We started out identifying 20 people we support and finding out what they wanted to do,” says Director of Community-Based Services Melissa Bailey-Raison. “We asked them, ‘If you could learn or do anything and money didn’t matter, what would you do?’ and many people said they would get a membership to Longwood Gardens or take a painting class. A few wanted to join a dance class or even join the YMCA. So, that’s what we did, and through that, those individuals not only got to do an activity they wanted to do, but they learned a new skill and made some great friendships doing it.”
Logan and Chucky, two individuals supported by KenCrest’s Community-Based Services program, began visiting their local bowling alley each week. They crossed paths with a man and his partner, who would bowl at the same time. After a few interactions, the man revealed that he was a semi-professional bowler and had a special offer for Logan and Chucky. He wanted to teach them how to bowl and all the tips and tricks he’s learned. Each week, Logan and Chucky meet up with him at the bowling alley for their lesson.
Another individual supported by KenCrest’s Meaningful Day initiative, Barry, was encouraged to join his local library because he loved to listen in on storytime. After a few weeks of attending, Barry met another person who liked to attend storytime and would sit next to him during class.
Conversations sparked, and the duo became close, learning one another’s likes and dislikes. Their shared love for visiting farmers' markets led to a day trip to the Green Dragon Farmer’s Market in Lancaster, where they bought matching t-shirts. They have even been talking about taking another day trip soon.
Other individuals began taking various classes, such as self-defense, music lessons, dance classes at Peppermint Dance Club, and painting courses at Mt. Airy Learning Tree Course.
While many people chose to take classes to learn new skills, many decided to continue giving back to their community by volunteering at local organizations like Open Door Ministry, Montco Senior Adult Activity Center, Meals on Wheels, and Safe Harbor. All organizations that fight against food insecurity in Pennsylvania.
“The Legacy Foundation grant gives the people we support the opportunity to explore new hobbies and activities they didn’t know about, but it also allows the community a chance to see what people with disabilities are capable of,” says Bailey-Raison. “The whole premise of Meaningful Day and Community Participation is to get away from disability-only clubs and get those we support integrated into their community with everyone.”
