Meet our Rock Stars!

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Stacy is a NASA Ambassador and has created curriculum regarding astronomy. She participates in local events where she can share her knowledge of space, as well! With the eclipse happening recently, she wanted to share some great information!

She has a Facebook group called Stacy's Amazing Astronomy Club. "I just published a 27-minute video about the eclipse and how people typically react to total solar eclipses. This is important information to know if you have disabilities or special needs or if you work with or care for someone who does. There's a whole psychology about eclipse reactions, so be aware of what could happen!"

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/StacysAstroClub/posts/pfbid0pygKnVdXsFFNXVoXbX7Znr67tdp1t7KyivNBs3DZyKEbEA77iizmQzxEUhARi93xl

Direct link to her video:

https://youtu.be/fEc3pfg3UNQ

Jessica was recently awarded the Charles Naggy Jr. Award in March 2024, during the 37th Annual Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities Awards. The award is presented to individuals who demonstrate spirit and determination in overcoming obstacles to lead a productive life in service to the community. The mayor presented Jessica with the award alongside her twin sister, Jennica, her mother Maxine, and many other members of her community.

Jessica and Jennica’s influential personalities and contagious smiles are simply magnetic and deserve recognition. They effortlessly keep their family and friends in positive spirits during difficult times. They are well-known for being the life of the party and social butterflies. They certainly know how to dress for the occasion and have a great time! They have an admirable love for life and others around them. Jessica and Jennica share an incredible bond. They’re very attentive to one another and prove that there’s nothing they can’t conquer together. They encourage and support each other and aren’t afraid to be adventurous when trying new things. Their unwavering determination and ambition have allowed them to blossom into their individual, strong personal autonomy. Way to go ladies! Beautiful!

Teddy has grown immensely over the last year! He demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of so many challenges. He’s devoted to his therapies and learns quickly. His resilience has allowed him to achieve many goals. He quickly learned how to use his communication device and began asserting his self-advocacy to make his requests. Teddy’s investigative mind is brilliant. He’s talented at putting things together, especially puzzles! Teddy is very empathetic and has a unique understanding of how others are feeling. He’s a great comfort and joy to everyone around him. Teddy recently found a new love for crafting – Just look at that charming smile and talent!

Kelsey is doing big things in Southern Indiana! Kelsey had always dreamed of working in an ice cream shop. Kelsey's Kones was established and provides opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to gain job skills while having delicious ice cream! All the profits from the shop are used to fund programs for individuals with disabilities, including life-changing weekend camps for young people. Read more here about this amazing story:

https://my1053wjlt.com/southern-indiana-ice-cream-ministry/

Kyson was nominated as Prom King at his high school at the end of April. Kyson’s friends at school are very important to him, so this made the nomination even more special! 

Kyson enjoys participating in Special Olympics. He is active on the basketball team and in swimming. In fact, swimming is one of his all-time favorite activities. In the summer, he spends a lot of time at nearby reservoirs swimming and spending time with family and friends. 

Kyson loves music. His favorite song is “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan because it reminds him of his late mother. Kyson tells his Case Manager often that his mom is in Heaven and always in his heart. 

The American flag is very important to Kyson. It is not unusual to see him set up a chair near the flagpole in his yard and watch Old Glory sway in the breeze. His Case Manager is always hopeful for nice weather when it is time for team meetings, because that means there is a good chance Kyson will be waiting for her under the flag! 

Kyson receives great support from his grandmother, father, extended family, and friends. What makes Kyson so special is his huge heart and how important it is to him to be supportive of others. As you can see, Kyson was awarded the honor of being prom king because he brings so much joy and love to those he encounters. Thank you for being you, Kyson! communities.

2024 was Gavin’s 3rd year attending the Special Olympic games, but this year was his first to attend the opening ceremonies, and he and his family were in awe. He brought home 3 silver medals for 50m Backstroke, 50m Freestyle and the relay race that weekend. Way to go Gavin! Gavin also attended the US Olympic swim trials in Indianapolis in June. He again was in awe of the pool size and that swimmers were as young as 15-17 years old. He said, “you don’t even have to be an adult to go to the Olympics”!  Congratulations on your success at the summer games, Gavin!

Trinity got married to the love of her life on June 22nd, 2024. Trinity has been focused on getting married for a while now. She has come such a long way and is focusing now on creating the family she has always dreamed of as a little girl. Trinity's team has provided support to her throughout this process, along with assisting her with setting up for the special day. She was joined by many loved ones, friends, and her team. Trinity asked her Behavior Consultant to serve as the officiant. She gave a beautiful ceremony surrounding all the things that Trinity and her husband have achieved together. We are so proud of you Trinity! Congratulations to the happy couple!communities.

This is Breck and his newly adopted service dog named Shaggy. Breck and Shaggy were a perfect match upon meeting and hope to spend many years together as loyal companions. Breck's family was able to utilize FCAR (Family Caregiver Training) service supports from his Medicaid Waiver to assist with the training of his service dog. We thought this was too cute not to share! If you would like to learn more about how you can utilize Family Caregiver Training for your waiver, please reach out to your Case Manager for more information.

Jason communicates using American Sign Language. He has been working hard on goals to become independent, and one of his goals was to use an ASL Interpreter during his team meeting. Jason's parents are his primary interpreters, so this was a huge goal for him to accomplish! This picture captures Jason's first time using a virtual ASL Interpreter with his IST (Individualized Support Team). Jason was able to actively participate in his meeting, understand conversation, relay conversation back, and he was able to laugh and share a few smiles. Way to work towards your goals, Jason!

  Giuliano is 10 years old. He will be in 5th grade this year and has an extreme love for his ninja/parkour classes and art! Giuliano loves to stay active as well as dominate LEGO challenges. He also loves to play and cuddle with his cats. Giuliano enjoys swimming and spending time with his family during the summer! He went on his first camping trip to Turkey Run for the 4th of July and was excited to spend the time outdoors! 

Jacob is a recipient of the Youth Service’s Youth Leader Award. Jacob began attending the after-school program in January. He joined with hopes of making new friends and growing his social skills. Since then, Jacob has made great strides in maintaining more meaningful conversations with his peers and staff. He has even started voicing his opinion as to which staff member he wants to be with and activities he would like to participate in. In addition to his growth in engagement, Jacob always sets a great example for his peers. He always has a positive attitude and treats everyone around him with respect and kindness. Outside of attending Grant’s House, Jacob enjoys participating in a theatre camp at Civic Theatre, Camp WACK, and the Unified Sports program at McCutcheon High School. Congrats Jacob!

Terrell is an amazing advocate for himself and others, and serves on the Gigi's Indy Board of Directors with full voting rights. He is friends with everyone at Gigi's Playhouse, and they call him Uncle T. Gigi's is opening a new Playhouse in Ohio in March, and Terrell has been asked to speak at their gala! Watch Terrell with an individual he mentors at Gigi's:  https://vimeo.com/677386201/f9a530108c  

 Tim is an amazing guy who would help anyone, anytime without question. He loves doing work outdoors, especially mowing lawns and clearing snow for others using his snowblower. Recently, he helped an older gentleman clear his driveway when his blower stopped working. A veteran posted on the Nextdoor app in his neighborhood asking for help clearing his driveway and Tim and his mom reached out immediately to offer help! Although someone got there before they did, Tim was ready, willing and able to do the job! Mom also shared another story of Tim climbing a tree at an apple orchard to help a friend when there together. These pictures show just how much Tim truly cares for others and gives of himself all the time! Thanks Tim for being such a great guy!    

Matthew recently showcased at Books and Brews, sharing some of his comedy to the crowd as well as selling autographed copies of his joke book. He has published 3 books so far! Matthew loves to write jokes, bake and be with his family. Check out some of his work!
Check out a clip of him with his stand-up routine: https://youtu.be/Hyj7wJeCMTQ
Link to his book: https://www.lulu.com/.../paperback/product-ney8g2.html 

 Andrew has a love for dogs and animals. Over the past year, Andrew and his family have been in touch with 4Paws Lodge in Fishers, IN, consistently checking in to see if they were hiring before they had their grand opening. Andrew was officially hired at the end of this March. He has been doing such a great job and has been working without a job coach or assistance. 4 Paws is so pleased with his work and dedication that they want to add in more hours to his work schedule each week. Awesome work Andrew, we are so happy for you!" 

Ariel began planning her wedding in 2019 and her plans came to fruition in July of 2020. Due to COVID, there was some question as to whether they would be able to make it happen but, in the end, they were able to have the wedding as planned. Her family has supported her every step of the way and continue to support her as she strives toward greater levels of independence. She recently moved out of her parents' home and into her own apartment, another first for her. Her recent marriage and move are not the only causes for celebration. To say that this young woman is inspirational would be an understatement. When she is not working at her community job or working on improving her independent living skills, she can be found volunteering, learning how to play the guitar, or taking cooking lessons.  Her Case Manager, is very proud to be a part of her team and looks forward to having the opportunity to support her, cheer her on, and celebrate all of her future accomplishments! Congratulations on achieving your dream Ariel!