New year, new opportunities to connect

January 2025

Dear Sherwood,

Happy 2025! After a snowy start to the year, our students and clients are back at Sherwood learning new skills and engaging with our team of experts.

The new year means new opportunities and possibilities as we look ahead. Here at Sherwood, we’re thrilled to build on the momentum of our 50th year of making an impact.

If you’re looking for a place to share your joy this year, I invite you to consider Sherwood. Here are a few ways to get involved in our community >>

Take a tour: Visit Sherwood and see our mission in action! We’d love to show you our space where we educate, equip, and empower our students and clients. Take a tour >>
Donate supplies: We’re in need of supplies to help our students and clients develop new skills and thrive. Donating is easy — simply shop our Amazon Wishlists to make a difference. View our WishLists >>
Become a monthly giver: As a nonprofit, monthly giving help sustains our mission and plan for our programs and services. Even $5 a month makes a huge difference in the lives of our students and clients. Give here >>

Together, we can make 2025 a year of transformation, hope, and growth. Thank you for believing in our mission. Let’s make this year the best year yet — together.

Warmly,

Kia Walsh

Chief Executive Officer

ceo@sherwoodcenter.org

Adult Day Services: New Year Fun

Our Adult Day Services clients kicked off the New Year with a sock-hop celebration! Before the holidays, clients also participated in a secret Santa gift exchange with each other. Building friendships with peers and staff fosters social connection, emotional support, and a sense of belonging for our clients. We look forward to continuing growth this year!

SPED student looking at smiley face occupational therapy on a blue mat

Special Education: Occupational Therapy Highlight

Occupational Therapy equips Sherwood students to thrive. Here, one of our students is working on constructional praxis. She is increasing her skill of building and copying designs using one of her favorite things, silly faces! This is an important foundational skill for both writing and drawing, as well as for numerous other life skills.

Is one of your new year's resolutions to give back? Support neurodiversity and Sherwood! We'd love you to join us as a monthly giver! Just $5/month helps Sherwood create unforgettable experiences for our trailblazers. Thank you!

Meet Melissa!

Melissa Stifter is Sherwood’s Fiscal Manager, partnering with our Chief Financial Officer to ensure we can fulfill our mission effectively and sustainably. Melissa’s background includes more than 16 years in financial settings for organizations, and she’s been with Sherwood since July 2022. “It’s truly remarkable to see how everyone comes together to make this organization what it is,” she says. Meet Melissa.

Day in the life: From payroll and credit card account reconciliations to processing invoices and more, Melissa is vital to the financial management of our nonprofit. Melissa’s role in financial management builds trust and credibility for our organization, and helps us maintain transparency with our funders, donors, and stakeholders.
Joy outside of work: You’ll find Melissa spending time with Olivia, her 11 year old daughter and Roxy, her 9 ½ year old dog. She is also a huge KC Chiefs fan. “My happy place is somewhere sunny on a beach!”
Sherwood in a word: “Fulfilling,” she says. “Just knowing how Sherwood educates, empowers, and supports its students and being able to work for an organization like that will leave an everlasting impact on my life and that is extremely fulfilling.

Thank you, Melissa, for bringing your financial acumen and passion to our community here at Sherwood. We are grateful for the vital role you play in our mission!

Check out all the Sherwood latest on Facebook >>

Research: Reframing Autism

An upcoming book explores viewing autism as a brain wiring rather than a problem to be fixed. Read the full article >>

Photo credit: UC Santa Barbara // Adrian Hillman

Free Children's Mercy Training for Families

Advocating and building partnerships with medical professionals is key to your child’s care, and this training focuses on communication to enhance support. Read more and sign up >>

Photo credit: Children's Mercy

iFLY All Abilities

Ready to take flight? iFLY offers All Abilities Night where anyone can experience the joy and thrill of indoor skydiving.

Photo credit: iFLYworld.com

The Federal Reserve Money Museum

The money museum is free and open to the public! Enjoy interactive exhibits while learning about the economy.

Photo credit: VisitKC.com

Shop for Sherwood!

Help support our Sherwood students, clients, and staff! Your Amazon Wishlist contribution provides essential supplies that equip our students and clients to learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you for making a difference!