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AN EXCITING NEW VENTURE!
AN EXCITING NEW VENTURE!
AN EXCITING NEW VENTURE!
AN EXCITING NEW VENTURE!
AN EXCITING NEW VENTURE!
Pillars of Light and Love is taking our SO MUCH TO GIVE program, created by Maureen Stanko, to a whole new level! Our Board of Directors has approved plans to open a restaurant to employ those with a diagnosed disability as servers, host and hostesses, dishwashers and more! Volunteers will assist!
In addition, we will have food prep workshops during the hours we are closed, and the location will be a satellite location for Pillars of Light and Love workshops and empowerment programs!
WE NEED YOUR PLEDGES!
WE NEED YOUR PLEDGES!
WE NEED YOUR PLEDGES!
Our goal is to create a safe and accommodating dining experience inclusive to those with disabilities and open to the public. Our plans include social events with dancing and karaoke after dining hours and live music.
We are asking for donation pledges to help with the startup costs for a location we have identified in the Skippack, Pennsylvania area. No funds are due until we get close to our goal of $150,500! We began taking pledges on May 20th and already raised $16,640 and will update as more come in!
CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR PLEDGE OR TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP US LAUNCH THE INCLUSIVE CAFE!
WE NEED YOUR PLEDGES!
WE NEED YOUR PLEDGES!
"SO MUCH TO GIVE" FOR YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
SO MUCH TO GIVE is a program launched in late 2021 within Pillars of Light and Love. It is the initiative of Maureen Stanko, a 25+ year Methacton School District teacher and mother of Nicholas, who is in his late teens and struggles with autism and intellectual challenges. Maureen is excited to be coordinating and directing activities for this program at the Empowering U Center in Trappe.
The impetus for the creation of SO MUCH TO GIVE is the tremendous need for older teens and young adults, like Nick, to spend time with peers, engage in meaningful activities, and continue on a path of lifelong learning beyond high school. The primary mission of "So Much to Give" is to help young adults with disabilities to gain personal fulfillment by utilizing their unique gifts and talents to make a positive difference for others in the community.
The following core facets of SO MUCH TO GIVE will help to fulfill this mission:
1. Social Events- “Social Skills Groups for a Higher Purpose” will involve structured activities designed to harness creativity and promote social interaction. During these events, some type of craft, or item, will be created by the young adults and subsequently distributed to recipients in our community.
2. Vocational Skill Development- Well-supervised volunteer experiences will be
organized to develop skills as well as tap into special talents and unique interests. For example, Maureen’s son loves to peel potatoes and is quite proud of this ability. Teaming him up with a local soup kitchen or perhaps a restaurant would allow him to generalize this skill in a new environment.
3. Community Integration- Development of partnerships with other programs, organizations, and local businesses will open up volunteer opportunities, assist fundraising efforts, and serve as a segue to group participation in a wide array of
community activities and events.
4. Family/Caregiver Support- First-hand involvement in SO MUCH TO GIVE's events and activities (when possible) will provide family members and caregivers with an innate support system with whom they can share valuable information, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate successes.
In addition to the above, SO MUCH TO GIVE will work in tandem with Pillars of Light and Love to continue their efforts to offer support through self-care and learning opportunities at the Empowering U Center for those with disabled loved ones of ALL ages.
Volunteers are needed to make all of this happen! If you are interested in donating your time and/or talent to help with event planning, working first-hand with our young adults in some capacity, or assisting with fundraising efforts, please contact us at somuchtogivepa@gmail.com
If you are able to make a monetary donation to help us facilitate our So Much to Give program, please see link below
