Friends of Johnson County Developmental Support provides resources, like jobs and affordable housing, to Johnson County residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
For example, they retrofit homes to accommodate people who are sight impaired or use wheelchairs or walkers. This means widening doorways and hallways, lowering counter tops, and making bathrooms with showers residents can use a wheelchair inside of.
But all that costs money. That's why Friends of JCDS is hosting a fundraiser. All of the money they raise will go back into the program to help those with disabilities lead more independent lives.
Celebrate with Friends
WHAT: Fundraiser for Friends of JCDS
WHEN: Thursday, September 22 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Camelot Ballroom in Overland Park
TICKETS: $95/single, $180/couple, tables available
MORE INFO: http://friendsofjcds.com/events/
A discussion with Dustin, a client of Friends:
Why is this program important?
I never thought I could [work or live independently] because I need a lot of help. So, it's fantastic. But it does have its challenges. I need a lot of help getting up in the morning and that's why I love the staff. They make me laugh every day.
How does the program make you feel?
It's very hard for me to do things, so I fought hard to do all things I do now. I am very proud to say I am the luckiest person to be here right now. I have wonderful people backing me up to help me accomplish my goals.
Janel Bowers, the director of development for Friends of JCDS, weighs in:
Tell me about the latest home you are renovating in Gardener, Kansas.
This house is intended for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are also experiencing Alzheimer's and dementia.
Why are homes that are handicap accessible important?
I think it's important for everyone regardless of ability or disability to feel like they are part of the community and that they are making an impact on their world. Why not have a house in the middle of a neighborhood?
How do these homes help clients like Dustin?
It's that feeling of confidence, that you belong. Belong is such an amorphous feeling for people. I want to feel like I belong to something, I want to feel like I am important and that I matter so that's a huge part for those we serve - that they feel like they are bigger than something.
How are these custom homes different than a home you or I might live in?
When we buy a house that was built traditionally, so you have a doorway that everyone has in their house, they have the walkway that everyone has in their house. That does not necessarily work for someone who uses a wheelchair for mobility. So we have to take a doorway, we widen it, so you're not hitting it as you go through. We put ramps in so it's easier to get up the stairs. We put in showers that you roll right in. You are able to go right in the shower, get in the chair and take a bath like everyone else does. We have lowered counter tops. We have widened hallways.
See more pictures of the Friends of JCDS projects.
Credit: Friends of JCDS
Why do you do this?
They're homes. This is not a house, it's a home. It's where someone lives, it's where someone enjoys their time, it's where someone continues to grow. It's not just a dwelling, it's not just bricks and mortar. It's part of who they are.
How will you spend the money you raise?
This money will help make sure that we are able to put a ramp in. Build an infinity loop for those who have Alzheimer's in the backyard of a house that's specifically designed for that. It will help us with putting in widened doorways and making repairs in homes. Even fund some of our special assistance programs. We are that last resource when someone needs a tooth filled, or maybe they need a new pair of shoes when they start a new job because they've never worked before. That's what the money does. It just does a lot of good for people with disabilities.
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Terra Hall can be reached at terra.hall@kshb.com.
