Last fall, more than 3,500 Chicago-area elementary and junior high school students received a neatly packed cardboard box containing pencils, erasers, notebooks, markers and other school supplies. Printed on the side of the box were the words, "Elim HOPE Packs. Packaged by people with disabilities." The "dis" before "abilities" was clearly crossed out.
After receiving their boxes, many of those students wrote thank you notes to the individuals with developmental disabilities who assembled -- and in some cases delivered -- their school supply kits. The notes were addressed to "people with disabilities." The "dis" before "abilities" was clearly crossed out.
Through the funding of the Coleman Foundation and other sources, 100 adults with developmental disabilities who are served by Elim Christian Services assembled 3,601 school supply kits for students at a number of Chicago and south suburban schools. 40 adults participated in five distribution events at recipient schools (shown are photos from an event at Providence St. Mel School). At these events they interacted with students, school staff and other volunteers and assisted in handing the school packs they assembled to the kids who will use their contents. In some cases, future classroom visits, events and activities between the adults and kids were arranged.
The Elim HOPE Packs Program is an initiative of Elim Christian Services which assists over 900 and children and adults with disabilities through educational, therapeutic, recreational and vocational services. Elim is a founding member of the Intersect for Ability network.
The HOPE Packs Program provides not only an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities to assist others but also an occasion for young people to meet those in Elim's programs...and see their abilities.
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