Frost Valley YMCA的动态

?? Celebrating Direct Support Professionals ?? I recently attended the Little City Foundation Annual Gala, where an important group of individuals were recognized - Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Today, I want to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of DSPs. As the backbone of our community support systems, DSPs play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Here are just a few reasons why DSPs are invaluable: 1?? Compassionate Care: DSPs provide compassionate and personalized care, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need to thrive. 2?? Skill Development: They help individuals develop essential life skills, promoting independence and empowerment. 3?? Advocacy: DSPs are advocates, ensuring that individuals' voices are heard and their rights are protected. 4?? Inclusion: They foster a sense of belonging and promote inclusion within communities. 5?? Dedication: DSPs show unwavering dedication and commitment to their work, making a positive impact every day. Let's recognize and appreciate the dedication and impact of Direct Support Professionals. Thank you for all that you do! ?? #DSPAppreciation #SupportingCommunities #InclusionMatters

The Equity, Engagement, and Evaluation program at CETE, in partnership with organizations like the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Ohio Head Start Association, allows us to offer strategic planning, logic model development, and comprehensive evaluations tailored to benefit our educators and youth. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to our work, and we work to center the needs and voices of the communities we serve, through: ?? Equity and Inclusion: Providing equal access to opportunities and resources. ???? Empowerment: Creating clear access to opportunities for marginalized groups. ??? Community Strengthening: Fostering an inclusive, resilient society. https://lnkd.in/dB5vHnng

“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” This iconic quote from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address in 1961 continues to resonate as a powerful call to service and civic responsibility. Kennedy urged Americans to think beyond personal gain, to envision a nation driven by the spirit of collective responsibility and selflessness. In a world where challenges abound—from ensuring social justice to safeguarding democracy—his words remind us of our shared duty to contribute positively to society. Kennedy’s message wasn’t only for his era; it’s an enduring challenge for each of us today. Whether through volunteering, engaging in community work, supporting causes that promote equality, or simply helping our neighbors, we all have a role to play. His vision calls us to participate actively in shaping a better, more inclusive future for our country and generations to come. Let’s take this as a reminder to ask ourselves: how can we serve? What part can each of us play in strengthening our communities, lifting others, and building a brighter future?

PM Hotel Group and Modus by PM Hotel Group have pledged 1,000 hours towards the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Procure Impact's Dignity of Work Pledge — an initiative to create 100,000 hours of paid employment for overlooked, underserved populations. We're humbled and thrilled to share that of all PM properties, Airlie has earned the most hours toward the pledge! Our hours have supported impact areas such as adults with disabilities, survivors of abuse, homelessness and more. We know our work isn't done here, and we're working every day to continue supporting and uplifting our community. Learn more about the Dignity of Work Pledge here: https://lnkd.in/eK2C6TxV

Tostan's Approach works and inspires a community empowerment program, which is a three-year non-formal education program that facilitates community-led development and social progress. four models for the approach: 1. Human rights-based education Approach. 2. Holistic and Sustainable Approach. 3. Community Empowerment program cep Approach. 4. respective and inclusive Approach. Tostan approach quote" capacity to inspire, culture and terms of recognition"

The Active Rainbow Families program has been funded through VicHealth’s Growing Healthy Communities Grants. It’s a program I designed from scratch, so I'm very proud of it! The inspiration for this came after attending the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention, where I heard about Sport Singapore's ActiveSG program. Many of the challenges were shared, but in different contexts - we need to rebuild the relationship with physical activity in our community. What if we could adapt this concept for our Rainbow Families? Building off that need, we created a program that not only encourages physical activity but also seeks to reimagine and rebuild what it can look like for LGBTQIA+ families. (Hopefully, I'll get to share more about LGBTQIA+ programs at future sport/physical activity conventions!) The program is more than just getting families active—it’s about recognising and addressing the complex relationships Rainbow Families have with sport. For many teens, there may be discrimination or exclusion in sports. For parents, there could be trauma from those same spaces. And for younger kids, we have the chance to avoid those negative experiences altogether. Active Rainbow Families is about hitting the reset button on what physical activity can be: inclusive, flexible, and fun. With a mix of gamification, family bonding, and diverse activities, we’re creating a space where families can rebuild—or start—a positive relationship with physical exercise. To ensure we’re making an impact, we’ve built in a research module to track how these experiences influence that relationship over time. I’m so excited for what this program can achieve, and I’m grateful to Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) for believing in this vision.

Have you heard of a D·ally? It’s a play on Dad and Ally, highlighting the powerful role fathers and allies play in standing with mothers and families. At Fathers’ UpLift, we believe being a father means more than caring for your children—it means stepping up for your community and advocating for equity. That’s what The D·ally Guide is all about. ?? Become a D·ally today by exploring this transformative resource: The D·ally Guide - https://ow.ly/Rzwf50UCOPL

? Did you know The Scouts has a team of (volunteer) Youth Advocates? They are doing fantastic things: making sure young people’s voices are heard; advocating for positive policy changes; and putting Scouts at the forefront of change-makers’ minds. Find out more from Ryan and Freya, who tell us what it’s like to be Scouts Youth Advocates. ??

How do we Honor and Value our elders? It's crucial to acknowledge the impact of isolation on their well-being, as seen in nursing homes. I care for my father, whose life was prolonged by intentionally fostering sources of love. Unfortunately, current accommodations lack comfort and intergenerational activities. The POD aims to address this gap, fostering inclusivity for ALL ages. Join me in supporting a brighter future for humanity by liking and subscribing. Let's start building a more connected community together. https://lnkd.in/eeFAfSHf