June 2021
Monthly Update: Making a Difference
June Days to Remember
1st - Say something nice Day
2nd - National running Day
4th - National Donut Day
5th - National trails Day
6th - Cancer Survivor's Day
8th - Best Friends Day
17th - National Mascot Day
19th - Juneteenth
20th - Father's Day
23rd - Hydration Day
25th - Take your dog to work
27th - PTSD Day
Run, Walk, or Roll

There is still time to join our fundraiser and tell everybody why you support disAbility Connections! Follow the link below to become a fundraiser.

People have been doing their part to get healthier by eating better and being more active. The money raised will go towards the Loan Closet, Fix-dis, Home Ramps, Access for All, and Respite care programs.

For any people that have been, or know recipients of those programs, you know just how impactful they are to helping people lead more independent lives.

Every little bit helps, and we thank you for helping us to help more people.
Exclusive offering of a FREE lunch and learn this Friday, June 4th, from 12-1 PM. Learn tips to keep up the good work of maintaining activity and a diet along with how we can add in treats. Friday, June 4th is National Donut Day after all. Click on the flyer below to register for the FREE Lunch and Learn from MSU Extension.
lunch and learn on June 4th from 12 - 1 PM. Join for tips to remain healthy and incorporate snacks into balanced diet
Pre-ETS had Another Successful Year with Area Schools
The 2020-2021 Pre-ETS school programming recently wrapped up with great success. With the unknowns involved with school and physical attendance due to COVID, Pre-ETS Coordinator Daniel Klink and Deputy Director Travis Barnett transitioned to providing all virtual class services to settings in Jackson, Hillsdale, and Lenawee Counties. While the year did bring some unique struggles with how to teach online and maintain engagement, it also brought new opportunities as the duo were able to create a unique spring break program around budgeting and also introduce the program to new locations in Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties. 

Participants were able to learn techniques with social skills, budgeting, career exploration, goal setting, and planning that they are able to use both personally and also with any employment opportunities they choose to take. Pre-ETS Coordinator Klink, noticed participants really building upon what they had covered over previous sessions and using what they learned as the weeks progressed. He is already looking forward to next year when he will be in more locations providing programming. He is already seeking potential ways to link area students for peer support and learning.

Although the school portion of teaching is over, Daniel and Travis have been busy planning for the upcoming summer Teen Cuisine sessions along with the 2021 Youth Leadership Advocacy Academy (YLAA). The flyer below has details for the 6-week online Teen Cuisine partnership with MSU Extension and if you or someone you know would like to learn more about the YLAA, please contact Daniel@disabilityconnect.org
teen cuisine flyer for 6th to 12 grades meet over 6 weeks shosa teen girl chopping veggies next to a laptop for more information call 734 904 5148
woman with light short curly hair and glasses smiles to the camera
Service Updates

disAbility Connections has experienced some changes since our last newsletter. First off, please join us in welcoming our latest addition to the dC team, Paulette Colister. Paulette is our new Accounting and Administrative Support Assistant. Paulette is fortunate to have been married to her best friend for the last 39 years. She and her husband have one son (Chad), and a 7-year-old grandson named Lucas. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and working in her gardens.

Secondly, we have added another open day for the Loan Closet so the community can further access its supplies of durable medical equipment. The Loan Closet is now open Tuesday and Wednesday from 9-4 and is still being provided as a contactless, curbside service. We will continue to monitor the COVID rates and will adjust the schedule accordingly. People wanting to use the service are still asked to call ahead as it makes it easier for the staff. 517-782-6054.

All other services remain in their virtual roles until further notice.
move it monday banner with images of a bike tire pedal and chain then a shoe walking on gravel then a persons hand pushing a handrim of a wheelchair
Active Jackson Coalition has introduced an initiative entitled Move-It-Mondays, encouraging people to be more active and take advantage of all the outdoor activity resources throughout Jackson County. Move-It-Mondays is an effort for people to be active for at least one day (Mondays) and will showcase unique locations each month throughout Jackson County along with videos of proper bike helmet fit, bike maintenance, trekking pole use, & more. Follow their Facebook page to learn more and see the videos.
COVID Vaccine Information
Please consider getting the vaccine and checking with your local health department and pharmacies for an upcoming opportunity.

For any that are unable to leave their home, call one of these three agencies for assistance:

  • Region 2 Area Agency on Aging (517) 592-1976
  • disAbility Connections (517) 998-3084
  • Jackson County Department on Aging (517) 788-4364

Follow this link to our COVID resources and its links to county health departments and their vaccine scheduling services.

information for those that are unable to go out to get a COVID vaccine. call region 2 at 517 592 1976 or disability connections 517 998 3084 or jackson county department on aging 517 788 4364