Happy Holidays from the staff of KYEA! | |
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It's been a year of change and growth at KYEA in 2024. And, here we are... another year coming to an end! Thank you to all of the youth who participated in our programs this year. You all keep us going and fuel our mission at KYEA. Thank you to all of our volunteers who are SO passionate about empowering youth. And, thank you to YOU reading this! Thank you for your support and belief in what we do as an organization.
We wish you all a very Happy Holidays! See you in 2025!
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KYEA Staff Travel to Salina for December Pre-ETS Empower Me! Workshop | Level Completed! With the year coming to an end, we finished our Empower Me! missions of 2024 with a bang… our December workshop in Salina. Disability pride was a special highlight of the day! The youth participants shared their disability superpowers, saw themselves in the staff who shared their disabilities, and experienced belonging. The day was sealed up with an amazing lunch donated by Chick-Fil-A of Salina. | | |
KSYLF Delegate Application Deadline Extended! | We continue to search for applicants for our Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, and have extended our deadline! Our new application deadline is February 14, 2025. We are searching for high school juniors and seniors (and those in a transition program) with disabilities who have leadership interest or potential. This is an experience that you don’t want to miss! Apply today! | |
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Meet Our Newest Staff Member: Liam Velasquez, Program Coordinator | |
Why did you want to work for KYEA?
Having disabilities myself I want to be able to help other people find ways to go through life with as many tools as possible.
What are your disabilities?
Autism, ADHD, multiple chronic illnesses, EDS
What are three words that you would use to describe yourself?
Curious, creative, and ambitious
What has been your favorite thing about your job so far?
Being able to work with the youth at the workshops.
What is one thing that everyone should know about you?
I love to tell stories whether it be in the written word, still image, in music, or on film.
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KYEA Launching New Path Finders Caregiver Group | Some families are not as familiar with the disability community, which can present additional challenges as the family and caregivers seek the best path for their child’s growth and development. Studies increasingly show that parents who are better educated in disability resources are better equipped to help their children with disabilities. Starting in January, KYEA will offer monthly gatherings for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities called Path Finders from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Topeka Public Library. | |
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KYEA 2024 Year in Review:
Empowering Lives, Building Futures
A Message From Shannon Kennedy, Executive Director
| Wow—2024 has flown by! Here we are in December, reflecting on an incredible year of growth, empowerment, and community impact. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re filled with excitement and gratitude for what’s to come. | |
"[KSYLF] really motivated me to advocate for myself and others, as well as step out of my comfort zone, try something new, and be more confident in myself." | |
Youth Spotlight!
Featuring Rock-Star Youth with Disabilities in Our State
In the last couple of months, we have been catching up with our 2023 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum alumni. We are so proud of this group of alumni as they work to reach their goals! One of our alumni who has made great progress is Emme Fahring. Emme is using her skills, excelling in employment, and taking big steps for her independence. Emme, who lives in Anthony, KS, and has a learning disability, works as a personal assistant at Across the Hall Boutique. She says that she loves helping decorate the store and putting outfits together. She obtained this job by first having an internship there while in school. She is currently saving up for a blow torch so that she can further her own earring business in the future. Emme also moved out of her parent's home and is living on her own in an apartment! She states that the KSYLF helped her in many different ways. "It really motivated me to advocate for myself and others, as well as step out of my comfort zone, try something new, and be more confident in myself," Emme said.
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Drumroll Please... Top KYEA Moments of 2024!
KYEA staff share their favorite moments of the year while serving youth with disabilities...
| If you've ever read our newsletter, you know our tradition is to list the Top 10 KYEA moments in the last year. This year, we are doing something a little bit different. Since we have many more staff this year, we have invited each person to explain their standout moment of 2024. This is a positive moment in the last year that each staff member thinks about and smiles! As you will see, we each love what we do. Watch the video and enjoy hearing about our favorite memories of 2024! | | |
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How to write S.M.A.R.T goals...
Have you ever wanted to set a goal for yourself, but never knew where to start? The first thing you need to do is come up with a plan that is clear-cut and easy to follow. Goals that are thoughtful and well structured are not only helpful, but smart too! You can even use the word SMART to write these goals for yourself. Here’s how!
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The Capper Foundation
The Capper Foundation has been a trusted resource for people with disabilities and their families for over 100 years. With locations in Topeka, Winfield, and El Dorado, they provide important services like adaptive recreation, therapy for youth, day programs for adults, and job support to help individuals live more independent and fulfilling lives. By creating opportunities for growth and connection, the Capper Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.
KYEA is proud to partner with the Capper Foundation is a variety of ways, including working together on the Shawnee County Disability Mentoring Day. Our very own staff member, Carrie, is even an alumna of Cappers! To learn more or get involved, visit www.capper.org.
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What day in December does the United Nations recognize people with disabilities?
December 3rd, International Day of Persons with Disabilities! This is an annual event that began in 1992. The UN recognizes this day to promote awareness and support for the "dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities."
Go to this link to find out more and read about the 2024 theme!
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Check Out These Opportunities... | |
Making YOUth aware of exciting opportunities in our state and nation!
Click each link to learn more about the opportunity:
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"Blue Berry Crystal Light"
Jason Edwards
For this month's spotlight on Kansas artists with disabilities, we are featuring Jason Edwards! Jason is 29 years old and had a stroke at the age of 9, which caused his disability. Jason enjoys art in different forms, but really loves to focus on Fluid Acrylic Pouring. He says that he is "grateful for the joy, purpose, community and new challenges that art brings." Thanks so much for allowing us to put your awesome artwork in our newsletter, Jason!
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The KYEA Office Will Be Closed...
KYEA staff will be enjoying the holidays and some much needed rest and relaxation! Our office will be closed Monday, December 23 - Wednesday, January 1. See you in the new year!
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