Michaela has a quiet way about her. Her gentle smile and easy nature are the first things you notice. But once you get to know Michaela, you realize the depths of her interests. Her passions. Her talents. Before 2023, Michaela didn’t have a place to showcase those talents. She does now at Our Place.
You know how important it is to create a meaningful life for yourself.
Parents of people with disabilities can often get overwhelmed by the lack of options that exist for their children when they become adults. It’s why we created Our Place - to give adults with disabilities the ability to lead meaningful lives.
Michaela’s parents were everything to her - they learned together, traveled together, and played together. They dreamed of Michaela living independently one day.
Then tragedy struck in 2020. Amidst the pandemic, Michaela lost both of her parents within six months of each other. Michaela’s life was forever changed. Amidst the heartbreak, Michaela’s brother Dan stepped into Michaela’s world to help her move on to the next chapter of her life.
As the pandemic waxed and waned, Dan, his wife Mary, and Michaela talked about her future.
As they navigated this new world, Michaela’s social worker suggested Our Place. Dan and Michaela came for a visit in the spring of 2023. She’s been attending regularly ever since.
Our Place introduced Michaela to a whole new world of friendships, activities, and meaning. Michaela needed not just to fill her days… she needed to live them. Dan, Mary, and Michaela discovered a community that welcomed them with open arms.
Here is how you save the day. Through your support, Our Place gives Michaela a world of possibilities. “With so many options, Michaela can continue to learn, explore, and grow with friends,” reports Dan and Mary. “It is great to open Our Place Press and read articles and stories Michaela writes. We didn’t even know she liked Digital Arts until we saw the thank you notes she created.”
“I like having a lot of choices in programs. Today, I am going swimming with my friends. My mom and I used to swim outdoors together.” Michaela is also composing fairytales for her new niece or nephew who is due to arrive next month. “I can’t wait to read my stories to the new baby.”
Your support gives Michaela the life her late parents imagined for her.
You can experience the joy of giving Michaela and her friends a place to belong by ensuring Our Place is there to keep them connected, learning, and growing.
You can ensure that when the unexpected happens, adults with disabilities have options too, like everyone else.
Every dollar you donate funds programs that promote friendship, purpose, and happiness.
Act now to double the impact of your gift! All donations of $200 or more will be matched by our Board. That means your $200 becomes $400. But only till December 31st.
