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Unlimited Moments of Gratitude |
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As this season of thankfulness unfolds, I find myself reflecting on the many ways our community has grown, connected, and inspired one another this year. Every milestone and every moment of progress reminds us what is possible when compassion, collaboration, and purpose unite.
From the opening of Creative Living for Life at Ursuline Sisters to the personal achievements of the individuals we serve, this has been a year defined by perseverance, partnership, and possibility. Each success story reflects the strength of our shared mission — to create opportunities where individuals of all abilities can live with independence, dignity, and joy.
We are thankful for our residents, families, Board Members, staff, volunteers, and supporters — all of whom make our mission not just possible, but powerful. Your kindness fuels our purpose and reminds us that, together, we are creating something truly extraordinary: communities where independence is nurtured, friendships flourish, and every individual is valued for their unique gifts.
As we look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey that brought us here — and excitement for all that lies ahead. Together, we are creating communities where lives are not defined by limits, but by the limitless possibilities that can unfold when people believe and support one another.
With appreciation and optimism,
Dianne DePasquale-Hagerty
CEO, Creative Living Unlimited & Affiliates
formerly Medina Creative Housing
| | This year, we are especially grateful to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of our community: | |
| | Channel 3 News features the opening of Creative Living for Life at Ursuline Sisters in Pepper Pike. Check it out here. | | | |
| | Dianne DePasquale-Hagerty was recognized as the 2025 Community Partner Honoree by Autism Speaks for her dedication and impact. | | | | Other notable accomplishments: | | Daniel DePasquale participated as a Culinary Champion at the 2025 Autism Speaks Gala. | | Alyssa Grimes earned medals for swimming at Special Olympics Ohio. | | Medina Creative Therapy Ranch riders brought home medals at Special Olympics Ohio, including 2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze, and 5 participation ribbons. | | We are thankful for the achievements, dedication, and positive impact of everyone in our community — their accomplishments inspire us every day. | | |
This year’s 19th Annual Raising the Roof Gala was a night full of celebration, laughter, and gratitude. Guests joined us on Saturday, April 26, 2025, for a “Grecian Gala” complete with Greek-inspired cuisine, games, basket raffles, and a lively auction.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the MCH Creative Comedy Crew’s performance of “Parthenon of Hope,” where Greek philosophers and Zeus meet Pandora and the Mama Mia girls to show that, despite challenges, hope and opportunity abound at MCH.
We also shared the exciting news of our new name, marking the beginning of our next chapter. As our CEO, Dianne DePasquale Hagerty, shared:
“This news marks the beginning of our next chapter. Our organization will remain true to its roots, but approach the future with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose…Tonight, we affirm that for those we serve, the future is unlimited and their lives abound with hope and promise as a result of our combined efforts.” – Dianne DePasquale Hagerty (CEO)
The evening was a wonderful reminder of the breadth of our programs, the reach of our mission, and the meaningful impact your support has on the individuals we serve. We are deeply thankful to everyone who joined us, contributed, and helped make the night, and the work we do, possible.
| | | Save the Date: Raising the Roof 2026 | | |
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Follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City!
We are so thankful for the community that makes our mission possible, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you at our 20th Annual Raising the Roof Gala on Saturday, April 18, 2026. This year’s theme, “There’s No Place Like Home,” will showcase the incredible impact your support has on the lives of the individuals we serve.
Join us for an evening of gratitude, celebration, and a little bit of Emerald City magic. More details will be coming soon — please mark your calendar!
| | A Home to Be Thankful For | | |
This season we are especially grateful to the Ursuline Sisters for partnering with our organization and thankful as we watch the milestone moments unfolding in Pepper Pike as residents start their independent living journey in their new homes at Creative Living for Life at Ursuline Sisters. On July 24, 2025, we proudly cut the ribbon on 23 forever homes, marking the official opening of this innovative and inclusive community.
More than 13 years in the making, this development represents the realization of a shared vision — one where individuals with diverse abilities can live independently with supports, grow confidently, and build meaningful connections in a safety-net setting.
Our Pepper Pike families are especially thankful this year, as their loved ones settle into homes designed not just for today, but for a lifetime. This milestone brings peace of mind to parents who have long dreamed of a secure, enriching future for their children.
Creative Living for Life at Ursuline Sisters embodies what is possible when compassion, vision, and community come together — and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported this journey.
| | Thankful for Togetherness | | |
This year, we’ve shared so many special moments with the individuals we serve, and we are grateful for every opportunity to come together as a community. We’ve already enjoyed some wonderful events like Fall Fest and Trunk-or-Treat, and there are still more to look forward to:
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Thanksgiving Dinners – 11/15 in Pepper Pike & Middleburg Heights, 11/19 in Medina
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Celebrate the Season Dinner – 12/13 in Pepper Pike
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Christmas Dinner – 12/17 in Medina
Each of these moments brings joy, connection, and a sense of community. We are especially thankful for our staff, whose hard work makes these experiences possible, and for all the opportunities ahead to celebrate, share, and grow together.
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This season, we’re especially thankful for the dedication, care, and passion of our staff. On September 17, we celebrated Staff Appreciation Day, where our team enjoyed a delicious meal from Grande Café & Roastery, tested their creativity with a Spaghetti Tower Challenge, and walked away with prizes ranging from gift cards to Cleveland Monsters tickets.
Additionally, each month we recognize an Employee of the Month, and those nominees are entered into our Employee of the Year raffle for a chance to win a trip to Mexico. This year, we are truly grateful to honor Chrissi Stohlman as our Employee of the Year.
Thank you to all of our staff for your unwavering commitment—your efforts create opportunities, smiles, and meaningful moments for the individuals we serve.
| | Congratulations, Chrissi Stohlman, Employee of the Year! | | | Thankful For Our Volunteers | | |
This season, we’re especially grateful for the generosity and dedication of our volunteers. From helping at events to supporting daily programs, volunteers play a vital role in bringing our mission to life and making a meaningful impact on the lives of the individuals we serve.
We are always looking for caring, enthusiastic people to join our volunteer team. If you’re interested in lending a hand and sharing your time, please reach out to Tina Galioto at tgalioto@medinacreativeaccessibility.com. Every moment you give helps create more opportunities, more smiles, and more memories for the individuals we serve.
| | Nancy Kirk, Volunteer of the Year, helping out at the Ranch. | | | We're Growing, and Grateful | | |
As we reflect on this season of gratitude, we are especially thankful for the growth and progress happening across our organization. Each new project represents more than just expansion — it’s another opportunity to empower individuals with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in supportive, inclusive communities.
We are grateful for the exciting developments ahead, including the upcoming Community Center in Pepper Pike, which will serve as a hub for connection, learning, and engagement. We’re also thankful for the planned expansion of the Grande Café & Roastery, which will provide a larger space for events, meetings, and gatherings that bring our community together.
In Medina, the continued expansion of our Creative Living for Life homes is creating even more accessible, supportive residential options, ensuring that individuals can remain part of the community they love while gaining greater independence. Across Medina and Cuyahoga Counties, new homes continue to take shape, offering individuals more opportunities for independence and a place to truly call their own.
None of this growth would be possible without the steadfast support of our partners, families, and community members who believe in our mission. Together, we are building a future filled with opportunity — and for that, we are truly thankful.
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This season of gratitude, your support allows us to continue creating meaningful opportunities, fostering independence, and enriching the lives of the individuals we serve.
If you would like to help us continue this important work, please consider making a gift today here or end-of-year donation. Every contribution helps open doors, create experiences, and make a lasting difference for the individuals in our community.
We also invite you to take part in our holiday Giving Trees, located throughout the community to help make Christmas special for our residents. Each tree is decorated with gift tags representing wishes from the individuals we support.
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You can find Giving Trees at:
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Grande Café & Roastery – 4080 Creative Living Way, Medina
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Creative Living Unlimited (formerly Medina Creative Housing) Office – 232 North Court St., Medina
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Brother’s Antique Mall – 6132 Wooster Pike, Medina & 2768 Pearl Rd, Medina
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Hope Church - 1905 Pearl Rd, Brunswick
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