2015-Ocean Springs Mega Reunion (June 19-21)
Ocean Springs Mega Reunion June 19-21, 2015
All Inclusive Event with Disability Connection serving as fiscal agent
2014-Special Needs Halloween Costume Ball
2014-Special Needs Halloween Costume Ball!
- Oct. 17, 2014–6pm-10pm
- Sponsored by the City of Biloxi
- Dr. Frank Gruich Sr. Community Center (591 Howard Ave.)
- Free Admission & Free Food
- Costume Contest
- RSVP to Director’s office @ 228-388-7170
Volunteers Help Veteran Build Ramp
GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) – A Navy veteran was moved to tears Monday when volunteers showed up at his home on 36th Street in Gulfport. John Walker desperately needed a wheelchair ramp for his wife, who’s coming home from the hospital in a few days. He didn’t ask for help. But several organizations decided to team-up to get the project rolling. Volunteers unloaded a pile of lumber as they prepared for a project that will take several days. Mr. John Walker didn’t expect to see the outpouring of support. “Oh, it’s great!” he said with a big smile. His wife of more than 50-years, Kathleen, recently broke her leg. Realizing she needed a wheelchair ramp, the 85-year old man decided to build one himself. “To get her inside easier, and I was even going to put a chain to it to pull it in,” said Walker. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Harrison County (RSVP) heard about Mr. Walker’s situation and contacted Disability Connection. “We came and inspected it and it did not look like it was as safe as it should be. It did not look like it would survive long term, so we agreed to basically start over and give him a fresh brand, new ramp,” said Disability Connection Executive Director Janie O’Keefe. The Home Depot donated the materials. Volunteers, like U.S. Army Specialist Kegan Wood, signed-up to help. Disability Connection also offers emergency home repairs and home weatherization for veterans, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and low-income families. Veterans get priority. For more information, you can call the organization at (228) 604-4020 or (228) 870-7775.
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)
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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.
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“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.