Jackie enjoys life at St. Louis Center
Jackie moved to St. Louis Center in Chelsea MI at the end of August 2022. She has made new friends and is engaging in new opportunities as a resident of St. Louis Center.
Jackie is known for bringing joy to those around her with her friendly smile and bounce in her step, especially when there’s music in the air. Her enthusiasm is contagious during celebrations and she’s an energetic participant in activities.
Jackie and friends perform with Open Spot Theatre at St. Louis Center
Since 2012, Open Spot Theatre, a statewide inclusive theatre company, has proudly taught people of ALL abilities music and movement therapy. Theatre classes are designed for everyone, from students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to seniors. Classes are led by trained instructors who are professionals in theatre, sign language, and/or special education. Singing, acting, and dancing are included in all its programs, along with sign language interpretations.
St. Louis Center paired with Open Spot Theatre before 2020, but the pandemic put a damper on the program. Jackie’s mother, Amy, took it upon herself to raise the funds to bring this program back after seeing the benefits of music and dance in her daughter’s life. This past spring, the instructors led the residents through the process of writing and producing a play. Jackie played one of the lead roles in “The Princess and the Dance Crew.” Read more about the show HERE.
Jackie enjoys activities and outings with the Center!
Since moving to St. Louis Center, Jackie has enjoyed many activities and outings. This summer, residents of the Center participated in the Chelsea Fair Parade, tossing candy from the float. Jackie also went to the Chelsea Sounds and Sights Festival, a Lansing Lugnuts baseball game, and enjoyed the Mariachi band on campus during the Latino Dinner.
“She’s very social,” said one SLC Supervisor, Robin. “She loves it when we have big parties over the weekend.” During the school year, Jackie enjoys the bowling outings and crafts with Laura at the Center.
Family perseverance – Finding a perfect fit
Jackie has a loving and supportive family who watched her grow from a happy girl into a warmhearted young woman who strives for independence and self-sufficiency. They determined that Jackie needed to be able to thrive in a home of her own.
After carefully considering their options, Jackie and her parents decided that St. Louis Center was a great fit for her.
Jackie’s Independence: Growing up and thriving
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Jackie growing up
Perseverance pays off! Jackie is enjoying her friends, opportunities in the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, and adventures as a St. Louis Center resident. The Center enjoys Jackie too – her constant smile, inquisitive nature, and desire to expand the experiences she shares with her fellow residents.
Double your impact and DONATE TODAY!
A very generous anonymous donor has offered to MATCH up to $100,000 of gifts through December 31st!
St. Louis Center continues to face increased staffing, maintenance, and other operating costs even as demand for services continues to rise.
The Center relies on the generosity of donors to raise 50% of its operating budget each year–about $3.6 million. These donations help provide a secure, loving home for the Center’s residents, some of whom have lived here for 20, 30, and even 40 years.
YOU can play a large part in the day-to-day lives of the residents who call St. Louis Center home. We are so very grateful for your generosity!
Jackie’s family is helping raise money to support programs including Open Spot Theater and other weekend and evening activities for all the residents, especially those without families of their own.
