2014 “Sock Hop Oldies Concert”
- OS Mega Reunion & Disability Connection Fundraiser
- (click on flier for more detail)
2015 Arbor Day RUN/WALK/ROLL SUCCESS
Donations over the run fee can be made to Disability Connection, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation.
to the Arbor Day Run/Walk/Roll (If the button is not working in your browser, please try this direct link) ***
to the Arbor Day Run/Walk/Roll (If the button is not working in your browser, please try this direct link) ***
*** The donate button is not currently working with the Internet Explorer Browser.
Stay Tuned for Next Event Date
The Arbor Day Run/Walk/Roll is a one day event promoting healthy lifestyles to individuals of all ages, with and without disabilities.
This event has 3 goals:
- to promote health lifestyles
- to encourage people with disabilities to be active community participants and join the fun of a run
- to share information on community resources for people with disabilities and the under-served
Those paying the registration fee will wear their t-shirts and meet at the tree at Town Green, Biloxi, to participate in the Arbor Day 5k-1 mile- 1/4 mile Run/Walk/Roll. This event is brought in partnership with the Gulf Coast Running Club, the most respected running club in South Mississippi. The race includes a 1/4 mile challenge so that everyone, including wheelchairs, can participate in the healthful benefits of a run with awards following. Run/Walk/Roll participants receive a tree, and those with challenges to running receive a medallion from the City of Biloxi.
The Registration Fee is $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Registration includes a t-shirt and a tree, and those with challenges to running receive a medal. Caregiver/volunteers do not need to pay to accompany a walker. TEAMS are encouraged to participate. Contact the Disability Connection office for a TEAM packet. Donations gladly appreciated!
Latest Event Video
2014 Buddy Walk- National Down Syndrome Society
Disability Connection loves an all inclusive event! October 18th, The Buddy Walk®, held by the Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society, is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down Syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join them for their Buddy Walk®!
Click link below for more details!
2014 Greyhounds OSMR All You Can Eat Shrimp Boil
$15 All You Can Eat Shrimp Boil
Saturday, August 30th @ 5pm
You can download the flier for more information
Ocean Springs Pairs Up with Disability Connection
We are incredibly thankful for our partners, volunteers and supporters. Together, we are creating a connected community. This week, the city of Ocean Springs has partnered with our organization in support of our Community Assist program.
Connie Moran, Ocean Springs Mayor, says, “In order to provide information and resources for people with mental and physical disability, veterans, and for the elderly, a disability staff member will be available 20 hours per week at the new office starting next month.” (Via WXXV)
—————————————————-
If you’re an employer who may have positions available and would consider interviewing our applicants, please contact Deborah Snyder:
office@disabilityconnection.org or (228)-870-7775.
Hero Community Volunteers Help Veteran
DC is extremely proud of these hero community volunteers that have come together to help a fellow neighbor after a fire destroyed her home.
—–
“I just feel blessed, you know, just blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed,” Silva said.
“We need to all come together and support our friends and neighbors because none of us know when it might be ourselves,” Founder of Disability Connection Janie O’Keefe said.
Quote and Photo Via WLOX News
July 2014
View the local news stories below:
Volunteers help a woman who lost everything in a fire – WLOX
Introducing “The Ability Club”
There are a plethora of online job-search sites available today.
Now there is a job-search site specifically for people with disabilities.
“Online applications are so complicated that they form a barrier to the job market for people with developmental disabilities. When I saw that the McDonald’s application included psychological testing, I knew there was a problem,” says Wade Ogletree, IDD Director, Jackson County.
“Ability.Club is a system “where employers can post jobs for free and prospective employees and their service providers can search for free.”
This is an excellent new resource for the disability community.
The Father’s Heart Widows Conference 2014
“Fatherless and Widows is a non-profit ministry to help bring community awareness regarding the needs of the fatherless and widows in our community and abroad. We desire to listen to needs and respond with practical help that comes from a place in the heart. Please consider referring fatherless and widows to us so we might be of help to them. Your volunteer efforts &/or financial assistance is appreciated….
The Fatherless and Widows ministry would like to announce its opening on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Fatherless and Widows ministry is dedicated to helping and bringing awareness to the needs of the fatherless and widows in our community.
The origins of the ministry are founded on a Bible verse that states “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…” James 1:27. This Bible verse has its own roots digging deep into the pages of scripture showing G-d’s special encouragements and warnings pertaining to the manner in which we treat fatherless and widows.”
For more information about his awesome organization: http://bit.ly/1nQzW5D
2014 Art Ability Fair Success
|
||
The 2014 Art Ability Fair was a great success thanks to partners, volunteers, schools, and sponsors, like you. Over 600 individuals participated including over 425 kids and adults with disabilities from 33 schools in 6 counties. Everyone enjoyed a free day of professional art instruction including: acting, costuming, make-up, photography, sponge painting, sand art, stencils and motif painting, hand-thrown pottery, wheel thrown pottery, and dance. 
2014 Playground Party Success
Thank You for supporting an Earth Day event in support of our friends in South Mississippi with disabilities. The “I Love My Playground Party” was the opportunity for our community to celebrate the one year anniversary of building the Disability Connection Community Playground in Harrison County. Over 200 individuals participated in the Picnic including about 140 kids and adults with disabilities.
This event was made possible by the support of Harrison County Parks & Recreation, Kaboom, and Kohls with help from additional volunteer friends such as the VA Veteran Warriors, Job Corps, Disney, and the MS Department of Rehabilitation. The participants planted bushes, freshened mulch, raked and bagged leaves, and other tasks that beautified their playground. Following the work, everyone had a picnic lunch, enjoyed music and an art project, and, of course, enjoyed playing on the playground.
Your support assists us in ensuring that people with disabilities in South Mississippi have access to social, recreational, and educational opportunities that improve the quality of life for both individuals and families. In addition, DC currently assists with eliminating barriers to employment and home repair for some individuals in need with priority to seniors, veterans, homeless, and people with disabilities.
The Disability Connection staff, volunteers, and friends appreciate your support of our programs. Your support allows us to continue doing important work in our community, and we are proud of our partnership. Other well-attended Disability Connection inclusive events include the Arbor Day 5 K-1 Mile Run/Walk/Roll & ¼ Mile Challenge, the Mayor’s Disability Awareness Health Fair, and the Art Ability Fair. As a Disability Connection Donor you will be helping DC to reaching over 4,500 community members each year.
Thank you for your donation. O’Keefe Educational Media, dba Disability Connection is a 501 c 3 Corporation, and your donations are tax-deductible; no goods or services were received for this donation.
Most Sincerely,
Janie O’Keefe