The Arc of Northwest Wayne County is expanding Lekotek, 

the only toy lending library in Michigan for children with 

intellectual and developmental disabilities

The Arc of Northwest Wayne County (The Arc NW) is expanding Lekotek through the generosity of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Charitable Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, JAKKS Cares, and The Grainger Foundation.

Lekotek is a therapeutic play program and toy lending program that helps children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) like autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, ages birth to twelve years. It is the only toy lending library in Michigan dedicated to the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children with I/DD and complements the many therapies kids with I/DD receive.

When Jennifer and her daughter, Courtney, pictured center in blue t-shirt and black shorts with pink-trim finishing the race with a big smile, started the Lekotek Program, Courtney was a toddler struggling to stand because of her multiple disabilities. Jennifer used the toys from Lekotek to motivate Courtney daily to develop her hips. Jennifer shared how that support continued to make an impact on Courtney's life even as she got older. In middle school, Courtney decided to participate in a school race. Her mom shared, "Courtney started the 100-meter dash from a wheelchair. When the gun went off, she got up and finished the race. The Arc was an incredible, instrumental factor in giving Courtney a life. A real life."

To jumpstart the Lekotek program expansion, the DADA Fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan granted $37,500, The Grainger Foundation donated $5,000, and JAKKS Cares has committed to donating 100 new toys.

With these new funds and donations, The Arc NW plans to ramp up the number of annual play sessions from 452 to 1,000 by 2027 and carry out more sessions in local communities where families already are - schools, libraries, therapist and doctor's offices, and hospitals. In addition, The Arc NW is opening up Lekotek membership for the first time to teachers, therapists, physicians, and other professionals who directly work with children with I/DD to help strengthen their work and better serve the families living in our communities.

"A growing number of children are being diagnosed with disabilities and mental health challenges, but resources, like toys and play, can help create healthy, meaningful futures. We are endlessly grateful for these generous gifts that will make the expansion of Lekotek possible," shared Gretchen Sanewsky, the Executive Director of The Arc of Northwest Wayne County.

T he Arc of Northwest Wayne County. For nearly sixty years, The Arc of Northwest Wayne County has helped build inclusive communities for children and adults with intellectual and  developmental disabilities through resources, services, and support. We support the communities of Redford, Livonia, Plymouth, Canton, Northville, and Garden City. To learn more, go to our website at www.thearcnw.org. 

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is a full-service philanthropic organization leading the way to positive change in our region. As a permanent community endowment built by gifts from thousands of individuals and organizations, the Foundation supports a wide variety of activities benefiting education, arts and culture, health, human services, community development, and civic affairs. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $1 billion through nearly 69,000 grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St. Clair, and Livingston counties. For more information, please visit www.cfsem.org.

Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) was founded in 1907 by five local car dealers and has grown to 226-member car and truck dealers who donate their time and resources to a host of community activities. Many members participate in the NAIAS, LLC, which is responsible for the production of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). To find out more about Detroit Auto Dealers Association, visit dada.org. To find out more about the NAIAS, visit naias.com.

The Grainger Foundation. The Grainger Foundation, of Lake Forest, Illinois, is an independent, private foundation established in 1949 by William Wallace Grainger, founder of W.W. Grainger, Inc.

JAKKS Cares. JAKKS Cares is the philanthropic division of leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, Inc. We embrace the principle that corporate responsibility is vital to the success of our community, and we are strongly committed to creating changes that will improve the lives and well-being of children for generations to come. Through JAKKS Cares initiatives, the company utilizes the powerful resources and inspired employees of JAKKS to assist under-served children and families around the world. Since inception, JAKKS Cares has donated more than $50 million in toys, school supplies, and monetary endowments to millions of underprivileged children around the world in an effort to help children smile, play, and succeed. In addition to in-kind giving and employee volunteer programs, JAKKS Pacific maintains environmentally friendly and socially responsible global sourcing and manufacturing practices worldwide.

Do you have items in your home that you no longer need? Are you looking to donate those items? If so, mark your calendar for the Donation Drop-Off Day to support the Churchill High School Music Boosters' Giant Rummage Sale!

The group is collecting items on Oct. 18 from 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the CHS cafeteria...

THEN, be sure to visit the sale to find some treasures that you never knew you needed!

The sale will be 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Churchill.

 

Celebrate Women in Wars with the Livonia Community Theatre

Our Livonia Community Theatre is proud to announce a very special theatre season - exploring the service of Women in Wars with these thought provoking dramas. 

They hope you'll join them November 8-10, 2019 for Women and War, and return in the spring for A Piece of My Heart.

 Tickets available at the door, or online here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-and-war-tickets-76277561239

 

Why leave home for a pumpkin !!! 

Wilson Barn Pumpkin Fest every October day

Join us for Pumpkin fest at the Wilson Barn! Every day in October. EVERY DAY.

 No admission charged, however fees for some activities apply.

WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES (Monday-Friday), 

12noon-7pm

-Pumpkins, Gourds and cornstalk sales

-Pony Rides (3-7pm)

-Hayrides (By appointment only and weather permitting)

** Call 313-909-1870 for an appointment

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES (Saturday and Sunday) 11am-7pm

-Cider, Donuts, Refreshments

-Pumpkins, gourds and Cornstalk sales

-Pony Rides and Hayrides (12-7), weather permitting

- Art and Craft Show

 

Update on the November general election

Brandon McCullough Cider and Doughnuts   10/15

Jim Davis coffee and conversation 10/15, 10/22, 10/29

Wayne 11th Republican dinner/dance   10/21

FridayMusings will continue to post information about the 8 candidates running for City Council and the 2 candidates running for Mayor. When we receive notification of an event and as was done in the primary we will post announcements  without editing.