What is Meaningful Day?
KenCrest’s Meaningful Day program expands to Delaware to bring more meaningful activities to those with an intellectual or developmental disability.
By Sydney Kerelo
This year, KenCrest’s Meaningful Day program has expanded to Delaware, where it can support individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability enjoy a meaning-filled life through community-based activities. Many of the individuals supported have even gone on to learn new skills or make everlasting friendships.
But what is this program?
What is KenCrest’s Meaningful Day program?
The Meaningful Day Community Initiative encourages individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities residing in KenCrest residential homes to actively engage with their communities. This is a 100 percent community-based initiative located in Pennsylvania’s Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties, and now, Delaware. It is tailored to the participants' schedules, allowing them to pursue activities of personal significance, like visiting Painting with a Twist and going to local museums, rec centers, or libraries.
For instance, many enjoy going to the local library to meet with friends or go bowling. Others may attend Senior Coffee Hours at local coffee shops or volunteer with Meals on Wheels or other nonprofits.
Chuckie and Logan go bowling every Thursday with a group of bowlers that they met. One day, while at the bowling alley, they met a man, Frank, a semi-professional bowler. After a few minutes of talking, they become friends and created a group bowling team. Every Thursday, they meet up to play a few games and have lunch.
How Does This Program Help the People Supported Living a Meaning-filled Life?
The Meaningful Day Program is designed to be entirely community-based, encouraging people with disabilities to get outside and into their communities. What sets this program apart is its personalized approach. Depending on their unique needs and interests, participants can engage in activities that genuinely interest them and learn skill-building skills like counting money or purchasing at the store.
One individual in Delaware wanted to live independently, and to do that, she needed to learn certain skills, like counting money and paying bills. So, she joined the local library and began reading books and taking lessons. This is just one of the many ways this program empowers individuals and helps them develop essential life skills.
Many individuals even develop long-lasting friendships, like Kelly, Emmy, and Virginia. In 2021, Kelly learned about Meaningful Day and instantly signed up. She wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. Now, she gets to hang out with Emmy and Virginia each week; they go to the movies, go bowling, and even sing karaoke.
Who Can Participate in the Program?
In Pennsylvania, the Meaningful Day activities are open to all, regardless of whether they live at home with their families, in an Adult Community Living Home, or Lifesharing. In Delaware, those residing in the residential programs in New Castle and Kent counties are eligible to participate. However, the program actively seeks to include individuals not part of KenCrest.