Wishing You a Wonderful Year Ahead! | | |
Celebrating Culinary Successes and Teamwork ! | | |
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We are thrilled to share some exciting victories from our Adult Training Center in Venice. Our participants continue to amaze us with their skills, teamwork, and dedication to personal growth. Let's celebrate their recent achievements together!
The Hearty Kitchen Academy made delicious treats for a group of approx. 50 we hosted. The group raved about what the academy made. Not one item was left uneaten! (Pictured above: Molly, Stephanie, Sandra & Robin.)
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We extend a warm welcome to Michelle, one of our newest participant, who is already cooking at Loveland. She took charge of preparing the taco meat for our Taco Luncheon and it received rave reviews from everyone who enjoyed it. We are thrilled to have her as part of the center. | |
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Brittany and Hannah's Delicious Collaboration
When Brittany and Hannah joined forces, culinary magic happened! These two incredible individuals worked seamlessly as a team to create a mouthwatering Street Corn Salad. Not only did they make a delicious salad, but they also demonstrated the importance of teamwork and cooperation.
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We applaud Kelly and Kimmy for their outstanding progress in developing their hand control skills. Together they successfully shredded cheese for our culinary creations. From opening the bag to breaking apart the cheese and placing it in a bowl, they accomplished these tasks independently. Their dedication and improvement in hand control skills are greatly improving. | |
April's caring nature shone brightly when she wanted to know if anyone wanted lettuce on their tacos. With enthusiasm, she opened the bag and prepared it for the group. She asked if anyone wanted lettuce and the group yelled out with delight "yes!". We are immensely proud of our participants at Loveland's ADT center for their continuous growth and accomplishments. Their teamwork, culinary skills, and attention to detail exemplifies the abilities and potential within each individual. | |
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Our participants are making amazing progress in mastering multi-step directions, paving the way for greater independence and fulfillment. One inspiring story comes from Zach, who recently helped prepare a mouth-watering chicken noodle soup. Following multi-step directions allows individuals to be more independent in their every day tasks, from following recipes to doing their laundry. At the Loveland Center we believe in empowering individuals to live more independently. Through our dedicated support team, participants like Zach are better equipped to conquer complex tasks.
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Skill development continues in the form of a chocolate fondue! Yum! We want to shine a spotlight on Monique and Craig, who recently delighted in dipping strawberries into decadent chocolate, a fun activity that improved their fine motor skills as well as hand eye coordination while creating delicious treats! By providing purposeful activities like this, we help our participants enhance their independence and confidence in daily tasks.
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Spotlight on Our New Programs
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HERO (Helping Everyone Realize Opportunities)
We're excited to announce the opening of the HERO after school program at our Port Charlotte center. This program was designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for school-aged children, while giving parents peace of mind knowing their kids are in good hands. With a staff-to-participant ratio of 1:4, we ensure personalized care and attention for each child. Our integrated setting allows children with and without disabilities to learn and play together, creating a truly inclusive environment. Give your child the opportunity to thrive after school with our HERO program. If you or someone you know is looking for an inclusive after school program and is interested in learning more about HERO please email enrollment@lovelandcenter.org or call (941)493-0016.
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Transitional Services
Recently, we kicked off the inaugural meeting of the 2024 Transitional Services Cohort. Thanks to the generous support from the Wilson-Wood Foundation, we are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to individuals with disabilities who do not qualify for the Medicaid Waiver program. Through this grant, participants will have access to Loveland's Supported Employment and Supported Living services for an entire year. This means they will receive the guidance and support they need to enhance their independence and lead fulfilling lives. The cohort members will gather weekly to discuss their aspirations, track their progress, and work on building essential skills that will empower them to transition towards greater self-reliance. Additionally, each participant will receive one hour of personalized supported employment or supported living services every week, either at their home or in the community.
It is truly inspiring to hear the goals set by the participants in this year's cohort. Their ambitions include achieving financial independence, securing their own apartment, finding employment, and mastering the art of cooking. We cannot wait to witness their incredible journeys unfold throughout the year. We are immensely grateful to the Wilson-Wood Foundation for their unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities. With their support and the dedication of our incredible community, we are confident that this year will bring remarkable achievements and milestones for the participants. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the new cohort. Together, let's celebrate the resilience and determination of these individuals as they embark on their path to success!
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Loveland's annual Holiday dance in Venice! | |
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Celebrating Community Integration and Acts of Kindness!
We are excited to share some heartwarming news from Loveland. Some of our program participants completed an incredible community integration project before the holidays. Inspired by compassion, they filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, a program that brings joy to children in need all over the world through the gift of a filled shoe box. The participants used their shopping skills and purchased items to fill 4 shoe boxes. They didn't stop there, they even went to the South Venice Baptist Church to help fill 250 boxes more boxes that will eventually land in the hands of a child somewhere in the world. Jacque' (DSP), Hannah, Albert, Gigi and Monique's acts of kindness showcased their potential in a way that left a lasting impact. We are grateful for all who partnered in this meaningful endeavor.
(The leader is in the picture showing all the boxes to be filled is Jan Buckaloo and the man in the picture with Albert is Jacque's husband and volunteer, Stone Rinehart.)
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Memorable Moments!
- Dog therapy volunteers bring many smiles each week with their Friday visit.
- Speech, Physical & Occupational Therapy work on skills through creative activities.
- A unique opportunity to host & meet the Faith Riders Christian Motorcycle Association from Sarasota at the Lamoureux Family Clubhouse.
Equality Through Opportunity!
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Loveland Center is excited for their first dance held in Charlotte County. This event will take place on Saturday, January 20th from 6-9 pm at the Family Services Building, located at 21500 Gibralter Drive in Port Charlotte. This exciting event is open to all individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability, and registration is required. Join us for a night of fun, entertainment, and socializing as we bring together individuals from different backgrounds and abilities to create a sense of community and belonging. Don't miss out, register today by scanning the QR code on the above flyer, or click the link https://Lovelandcenter.org/event/charlotte-county-winter-dance-/
Contact Caryn McCullough, Area Director of Charlotte County, with any questions at cmccullough@lovelandcenter.org or call (941)233-0547.
|  |  | Loveland Center is excited to invite you to participate in the 4th Annual Ability 5K Run and 1K Fun Walk on Sunday March 24, 2024 at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda. This event is the primary fundraiser for our Port Charlotte Adult Day Training center, which provides services and support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Ability 5K Run and 1K Fun Walk is a fun-filled event that promotes community involvement and healthy lifestyle choices. Don't miss out on the opportunity to support Loveland Center and make a positive impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Click the link below to register today and join us for a day of fun, fitness, and fundraising! https://runsignup.com/race/fl/puntagorda/lovelandcenterincability5krunfamilywalk | |
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Date: Friday, April 12, 2024 @ 7:00pm
Tickets: $10-$12
The Loveland Players Present A Year with Frog & Toad
Book & Lyrics by Willie Reale
Music by Robert Reale
Based on the book written by Arnold Lobel
Based on the classic book series by Arnold Lobel, this musical was a hit on Broadway. Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding, and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm.
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How to talk to your legislator and advocate for your loved one
January 18, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm
Cost: Free
Presented by: Stephanie Henderson
Location: Virtual
Join Stephanie Henderson, a Florida Advocate, as she talks about her efforts to connect with the legislature this year and how you can help support your loved one with a disability.
Join presentation virtually via Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86831933664?pwd=N0w0ek1icmRkT0EvclVDZWhZSkdZdz09
Meeting ID: 868 3193 3664
Passcode: 821261
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