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Maureen "Reenie" Stanko (standing on right) created the So Much to Give Program for those with disabilities under the non-profit, Pillars of Light and Love. In July 2023 the program moved from Pillar's headquarters to the beautiful So Much to Give Inspiration Studio just across from the So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe. Both programs were a collaboration of Tyler Kammerle, Maureen and Kathy Opperman founder of Pillars of Light and Love, and support those with disabilities with varying missions.
If you would like to learn more about the cause, check out the following news clips!
PHL Channel 17 News February 2023
6 ABC Action News October 2023
For any questions, please email Maureen at SoMuchtoGivePA@gmail.com.
YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY!
HOW THE "SO MUCH TO GIVE" PROGRAM BEGAN
SO MUCH TO GIVE is a program launched in late 2021 within Pillars of Light and Love at the Empowering U Center. It was the initiative of Maureen Stanko, a 25+ year Methacton School District teacher and mother of Nicholas, a young adult who struggles with autism and intellectual challenges. The impetus for the creation of SO MUCH TO GIVE was 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. Maureen is now the Director of the new So Much to Give Inspiration Studio located in a beautiful building right near the So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe. Volunteers at the studio include experienced instructors in art, music, vocational skills and much more!
The following are the core facets of the SO MUCH TO GIVE program now held at the So Much to Give Inspiration Studio where our mission is to enrich the lives & brightening the future for those with disabilities through music, movement, learning, art, and fun while developing social skills, vocational skills, and increased independence.
Social Skills Development
Our #1 area of focus is socialization, and we have found when our participants are engaging in preferred activities, receiving guidance on how to appropriately act in the company of peers does not seem like work! Singing, dancing, playing music, games, puzzles, building and various art projects are just a few of the fun activities in our sessions offered during the day and evenings. Attending dinner, Trivia and Bingo at the So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe together provides an awesome social experience for our participants!
Vocational Skills Development
We ALWAYS make it a point for participants to understand the tasks they are performing and WHY they are doing them! Activities may involve home living, organization, service projects benefiting those in the community, problem-solving, food prep, and small jobs to help at the So Much to Give Inclusive Café.
Community Integration
Although being at the studio is a community outing in itself, we love hosting independence-building excursions to the So Much to Give Inclusive Café, where our participants enjoy great food and company while working on important skills involving communication, safety, use of proper manners, money-management, and more!
Family/Caregiver Support
The Inspiration Studio is a collaborative environment where parents and caregivers are ALWAYS welcome to hang out and share their talents, information, or ideas to help their loved ones, other families, or So Much to Give.
Volunteers are always needed, please contact Maureen at somuchtogivepa@gmail.com
If you would like to attend sessions at the SO MUCH TO GIVE INSPIRATION STUDIO, please email InspirationStudioSMTG@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
Empowering THOSE WITH DISABILITIES
We opened the So Much to Give Inspiration Studio in July of 2023 in the same shopping center as our Cafe. Under the direction of Maureen Stanko, the mission of the studio is to enrich the lives of those with disabilities through art, music, movement, learning, socializing, creating independence, and fun! Classes are for those with disabilities age 15 through adulthood. The classes include evening social activities which integrate with various events at the So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe including BINGO & TRIVIA.
Learn more & see the class schedule at www.SoMuchtoGiveStudio.org
Employing Those with Disabilities
The So Much to Give Program at Pillars of Light and Love opened a full service restaurant at Skippack Pike & Bustard Rd, a mile south of Skippack Village.
The mission of the So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe is to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience to empower all people, including those with disabilities, and their families, to have equal opportunities to work, dine, socialize, volunteer and learn.
See our menu, special events, make reservation and more on our Cafe website HERE