Amazing Partners
We can’t do what we do without the amazing partners who step into mission with us. This month I am going to brag on some of the wonderful people and organizations who help us build bridges to a life of social independence for individuals with disabilities.
Direct Support Professional Award Winner
Each year the Gateway Coalition of Service Providers gathers nominations for outstanding direct support professionals (DSPs) in the community. We were so pleased to honor Andi Davis. Andi has been part of our team since September 2019 and has served in our afterschool enrichment, camp and adult services. She is a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities by finding simple solutions to everyday community challenges. Through the ups and downs of the last few years, her dedication to LifeBridge’s participants, our mission, and her excellent work ethic has never waivered.
Volunteers
Journey of Hope is a cross-country cycling trip organized by the men of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Each year this event raises funds and awareness for people with disabilities. One of the routes travels through St. Louis and LifeBridge Partnership has been blessed to partner with the Journey of Hope for more than 20 years. The team organizes a big community event for our youth and adult participants as well as other disability service providers. While plans are still in the works for this summer, last year they helped us host a Christmas in July picnic and resource fair, complete with BBQ, carnival games, music, and a visit from special guests.
Maryville University Occupational Therapy Program has supported LifeBridge Camps for two years through experiential learning opportunities. Groups of 15 to 20 students serve at LifeBridge Camps to gain insight into working with individuals with disabilities. This partnership is a win-win: LifeBridge can welcome more kids to camp without additional staffing costs and these college students further their education.
Deloitte’s Impact Day is an annual day of service to confirm their commitment to local communities. Joe Kreienkamp, LifeBridge Young Professional Board member, works at Deloitte and devotes his Impact Day activities to us. For several years, Joe has arranged for a group of Deloitte employees to spend the day volunteering in our youth and adult services and detailing our vans.
If you would like to learn more about working for or volunteering with LifeBridge Partnership, contact us at info@lifebridgestl.org or visit our website at https://www.lifebridgestl.org/volunteer
Karen Schuster, CEO