Albert and Haylie help to unload the van of food that was collected at the Center for the benefit of Faith in Action.
Haylie Moran took on the role of Day Program Coordinator with a clear vision of creating a program that would not only engage the residents but also enhance their physical and mental well-being.
She quickly realized that some activities were already well-established, but they lacked variety and routine. As someone who has worked in ABA therapy and has a background in health science and psychology, she understood the importance of routines and diversity in activities to engage residents of varying abilities.
Establishing a routine of daily and monthly activities
Haylie started working on establishing a routine of daily and monthly activities that would not only engage the residents but also stimulate their minds and bodies. She observed the residents closely and tried to understand their interests and preferences. As a result, she and the Day Program staff introduced new activities that quickly became popular among the residents, such as Virtual Reality gaming with the Chelsea District Library, music bingo with small prizes, and therapy dog visits.
Celebrating special occasions and milestones
The staff also recognized the importance of celebrating special occasions and milestones. They introduced birthday celebrations for the Day Program participants, which was a big hit among the residents. Additionally, Haylie is helping to create a micro-enterprise via a Farmers’ Market booth every Wednesday, providing the residents with an opportunity to interact with the local community.
Through her experience and understanding of the residents’ needs, Haylie and the Day Program staff are creating a program that is not only engaging but also promotes physical and mental well-being. The residents look forward to the daily and monthly activities and enjoy the sense of routine and variety that the program provides. Thanks to Haylie’s efforts, the Day Program has become a place where residents can learn, grow, and thrive.
This post is on page 6 of St. Louis Center’s 2022 Annual Report.
Read St. Louis Center 2022 Annual Report
If this article or any of the stories of inspiration shared in St. Louis Center’s Annual Report move you, please consider a donation of any amount in support of the Center’s Benevolent Care fund.
St. Louis Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Federal Tax ID: 38-6038121.
77% of donations received go to the care of the Center’s residents.
According to the 2022 audit, St. Louis Center administrative and overhead expenses were only 23%, in line with well-managed nonprofit best practices. You can be confident that your donation to the Center is going to good use.
