DPI is expanding to meet the needs of the community!

In 2017, Developing Potential kicked off a campaign to expand our services in order to meet the needs of those seeking services and to further meet the needs of the individuals we serve.  This is a huge undertaking for our agency and we want YOU to be a part of it!

At DPI, we believe that there are a number of individuals, businesses and organizations in our community who see the value of supporting our most vulnerable citizens.  We are providing the vehicle for that support through our Building Lives campaign.  The goal of this campaign is to construct a building that will be a gathering place where individuals can receive supports, a place for the community to engage with individuals that have developmental disabilities, and a launching point for our services and supports in the larger community.

The new facility will help  provide on-site medical support day services, holistic programming  and offsite programming models. The goal is to provide  individuals in the community needed supports over the life span.  The new facility will have our DPI Enrichment Center with yoga and wellness class opportunities.

Not having services can mean a complete disconnection from community for some individuals.  We offer a way for individuals to continue to build skills, socialize with peers, provide volunteer services, and become a part of their community through work, service, learning and/or social interaction.

Expansion of our facilities will also allow expansion of programming for all we serve.  The new facility envisions a coffee shop, multi purpose space, expanded space for health and wellness, arts, music, sensory and therapy.

Please be a part of Building Lives by making a contribution today and 

by contacting us to let us know how you can support our efforts.  

Growing a garden may be more beneficial than you realized. Sure, we all know that fresh fruits and veggies are part of a well-rounded diet. But, did you know that gardening offers a variety of other health benefits?

Exposure to Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps to increase your calcium levels which in turn helps strengthen your bones and boost your immune system. The National Institutes of Health found that sunlight exposure helped adults achieve adequate vitamin D levels. Just remember the sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Decrease the Risk of Dementia

One study found that gardening lowered the risk of dementia by 36%. Researchers concluded that the physical activity associated with gardening helped reduce the incidence of dementia in future years.

Mood-Boosting Benefits

Another study suggest that gardening fights stress. The group that participated in gardening reported a better mood and blood test showed lower levels of cortisol, stress hormone.

Aerobic Exercise

Gardening is a great form of exercise, plus you might become so engrossed in your work that you don't even realize you're breaking a sweat. Reaching, pulling, twisting, and bending as you plant will work new muscles and help with strength, stamina, and flexibility.

Combat Loneliness

Community gardens can be a fun and engaging way to interact with others while providing benefits to the neighborhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) community gardens are "collaborative projects on shared open spaces where participants join together in a the maintenance and products of the garden, including healthful and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables."

Gardening at DPI

At Developing Potential, we have made gardening a part of our Health and Wellness program.  Through partnerships with Kansas City Community Gardens, HyVee Garden Grant program, Habitat for Humanity and volunteer groups, DPI has been able to provide gardening opportunities for the individuals we serve.  DPI maintains wheelchair accessible and container gardens onsite and accesses community gardens, too.  After growing food, our staff also incorporate cooking healthy foods and exploring new tastes into our programming choices and partner with community cooking programs.