Abilities First

Great idea! http://ow.ly/7U0H50C365f

Self-care is so important!

Meet one of our newest coworkers, Julie Licis. Julie has been with Abilities First for almost 2 months with our Abilities First Employment Services team. She has a daughter, Whitney, her husband, Kevin, and their son, Kyler, my grandson, who is 6 and goes to 1st grade. He is my Sugarbaby and always will be. I am hoping for another grandchild soon. Whitney is living her dream of working with animals at Stafford Vet Clinic. She is a strong, beautiful and caring young lady. ...Andrew is my youngest and is on the Autism Spectrum with severe social anxiety. We began our journey in 1990 before the multiple realms of the autism spectrum were recognized, and we have fought many battles that I am proud of both he and myself through doctors, public schools and psychologists. We have been fortunate to connect with people along that road that stood with us. Initially, when Andrew was about 8, a psychiatrist told me he would never work, finish school or be successful on his own. Well, I wouldn’t accept that, because he is highly intelligent, he just doesn’t like being around people much. Andrew not only graduated high school with honors, he obtained his Associates Degree from OTC. He has worked at Mama Jeans for eight years, starting as a dish washer, then became a baker, and is now a prep cook. As a baker, he created his own recipe for cookies they sell at Mama Jeans, that he named Magic Cookies. He also drives himself to work. Julie said her best vacation was to New Orleans, and she loves the music. Julie said the best advice she ever received: My Mama used to say, You never know someone until you stand in their shoes and walk around in them. See more

Missouri State Bear POWER is now accepting applications for Cohort #3 of Bear POWER! The completed application and all required documents are due by January 8th at 5:00pm. Cohort #3 will start Fall 2021 Semester.

Missouri Family to Family is seeking ten Family Peer Specialists from throughout Missouri to work with with them to support families and individuals by: Providing information, referral and navigation supports to individuals Connecting individuals to educational and training opportunities provided by the MoF2F and other organizations Identifying and supporting other self-advocate and family leaders Representing the MoF2F on local and statewide opportunities, such as No Wrong Door and Charting the LifeCourse Chapter activities

Jason Mathews has been with Abilities First since January of 2015. Jason works at Artisan Elements, and he enjoys working with a great team and creating unique products. Jason’s family comes from the Nixa/Clever area, and there is an elementary school, Mathews Elementary, named after his grandmother, Helen Mathews. He says, She taught me many great things most importantly to always treat others well and help whenever someone needs a helping hand. He has one brother, Tra...vis, who is an all-around fix it and remodel guru. His mother is an RN who helps heal little ones in the PICU in hospitals all around the U.S., and his father was a carpenter when he was young and then got into the car and boat buying & selling business. Jason says that his father taught them how to build & fix almost anything. He has a wonderful daughter , Leona Raven, who will be turning 12 next month. His best pre-father best vacation would be the second time he went backpacking in Europe for a month covering The Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and Italy. His latest best vacation would be taking his daughter to Florida beaches and Universal Studios. They had a blast enjoying the Harry Potter Worlds! His best advice he’s ever received: Enjoy life and focus on what makes you happy - don’t get dragged down for too long at a time; it’s over in a blink. See more

Join us this Thursday, October 22 for the Good Life Group Virtual Costume Halloween party!

The Governor's Council on Disability is preparing for 2021, and they need your help. Please complete the Legislative Priorities Poll listed below. By completing the Poll, you will help to ensure representatives and senators hear from all segments of the disability community (individuals with disabilities, family members, friends, service providers, educators, employers, agencies, health professionals, etc.) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N2R7VTB. This survey is also availabl...e in PDF formats which can be filled out electronically or printed and completed by hand. These versions can be accessed at Annual Legislative Priorities Poll at https://disability.mo.gov/g/legislative_priorities_poll.htm or by contacting the GCD office at 800-877-8249. Assistance with completion is also available by contacting the GCD office. Please return all Polls by Friday, November 6, 2020 at 5:00. Hard copies can be returned via fax (573-526-4109), email ([email protected]), and mail (Governor’s Council on Disability, 301 West High Street, Room 620, PO Box 1668, Jefferson City, MO 65102-1668). 2020 Legislative Priorities Poll now open by Laura Mueth Show Me See more

Do you need help dealing with the COVID crisis? Show Me Hope Missouri is there to help with acrisis counseling program.