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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