April 2018 
DPI E-Newsletter
 
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#BuildingLives

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.  
DPI Health and Wellness:
Health Benefits of Gardening
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.  

Source: AARP, CDC

DPI Advocacy Update:
Disability Rights Legislative Day

Disability Rights Legislative Day, held March 14 in Jefferson City, was a great success.  DPI hosted a group of individuals who were able to meet with their legislators, hear speakers, tour the Capitol building and enjoy a fun trip to see how their government works!  

DPI in the Community:
Let's recap all the fun we had for
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Watch our video of the many, many things we were able to do to celebrate, engage in the community and raise awareness!

Also, DPI was honored as a nominee for a Truly the Best Award by the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce.



Developing Potential has created an endowment fund through Truman Heartland Community Foundation.  The endowment fund offers our supporters another way to provide support to our organization, sustaining services well into the future.  

Make a one-time or recurring gift to DPI's endowment by clicking here.  
Gifts can be made in honor of or in memory of someone you care about and stock gifts are also accepted.  

Contact us at acox@developingpotential.org or 
816.525.6000 ext. 107 for more information!
DPI Employment Connections:
 
DPI is proud to have hosted Lisa Elsenor for our CE Gathering in March.
Lisa is 48 years old. She has been a Special Olympic athlete for 40 years. She has been to 4 Special Olympic World Games in 3 different sports -- she is a runner, a swimmer and an ice skater. She is also a Paralympic Athlete in swimming. In her spare time she did/does Triathlons and distance running events. Lisa has been employed at Johnson County Community College for the last 29 years in the cafeteria.

Click here to see Lisa receiving the Lockton Courage Award 
at the WIN for KC Luncheon - Feb. 7, 2018.

For more information on DPI Employment Connections 
contact Lori Oxborough at loxborough@developingpotential.org 
or 816.525.6000 ext.112.
Thank you to the following for donations 
March 2018:

Patti Allison
Dennis and Vicki Bullard
Denise and Wayne Edwards
Marcela Holder
Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
Dale and Deb Parson
Richard and Pam Smith
Ed and Charlotte VanHaele

Thank you to Panera Bread for their weekly donations.

Direct Support Professional and other positions available at DPI's
Independence, Lee's Summit and Kansas City locations.
Give Back to DPI Every Time You Shop!
Go to    smile.amazon.com and choose Developing Potential, Inc. as your charity of choice.

Each time you shop, DPI receives a donation.

It's that easy!
Services funded in part by:
DPI is a nationally accredited agency:

 Find out more about Missouri Quality Outcomes
Click here

  Developing Potential, Inc.| info@developingpotential.org | 816.525.6000 | developingpotential.org
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