Firefly Services

November has arrived, and we have a lot going on at the El Dorado Springs Day Program. Here’s what’s coming up on the calendar. 🗓️🍂

Upcoming Highlights:
🥇 November 6: Special Olympics in Joplin (please bring a cold lunch)
🎳 November 9: Bowling in Nevada ($3 payment)
🔬 November 20: Discovery Center Trip ($9 payment, please bring a cold lunch)
🦃 November 25: Day Program Thanksgiving Potluck
🚪 November 26-27: Day Program Closed for Thanksgiving
🎂 November 30: Birthday Celebration and Bingo

Important Notes:
• Discovery Center Trip payment of $9 is due November 18.
• Please bring a cold lunch for Special Olympics and the Discovery Center Trip.
• A flyer with additional information about the Day Program Thanksgiving Potluck has been sent out.
• The Day Program will be closed November 26-27 for Thanksgiving.

A new month brings new activities to the Joplin Day Program! Here’s what’s coming up in November. 🗓️🍂

Upcoming Highlights:
🎳 November 13: Special Olympics Bowling Practice ($3.50 payment)
🏅 November 19: Special Olympics Bowling Event
🎬 November 20: Movie Day in the Auditorium
🍽️ November 25: Day Program Lunch (please bring a dessert)
🚪 November 26-27: Day Program Closed for Thanksgiving
🎂 November 30: Birthday Celebration and Bingo

Important Notes:
• Walking Club participants can earn prizes for reaching their step goals.
• Cooking Class gives individuals the opportunity to help prepare and enjoy a variety of snacks and recipes.
• Individuals participate in volunteer activities throughout the community, including Meals on Wheels and recycling projects.
• Special Olympics Bowling Practice will be held at 11 a.m. ($3.50 payment).
• Special Olympics Bowling Event will be held at 1:30 p.m. at 4th St. Bowl.
• Lunch will be provided at noon on November 25 and will include chicken strips, sides, and a roll. Participants are asked to bring a dessert.
• The Day Program will be closed November 26-27 for Thanksgiving.

Upcoming December Dates:
❄️ December 17: Annual Bake Sale and Holiday Program at 1:30 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
❄️ December 23: Holiday Party at 1:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Refreshments will be provided.
❄️ December 24-25: The Day Program will be closed for the holiday.

Firefly is officially open in St. Joseph, Missouri! 🎉

Last week, our team, community partners, and supporters celebrated the grand opening of our new office located at 902 Edmond St., Suite 204, with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.

This new location marks an exciting step forward as we continue connecting individuals with opportunities through our Employment Services.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this milestone. We look forward to growing our community connections from our new home in downtown St. Joseph.

A sunny day and time by the water made for a wonderful outing for Firefly's Adult Day Program in Kansas City. 🎣

Eleven participants joined staff for a day of fishing and beautiful weather at Lake Jacomo. Whether it was casting a line, spending time by the water, or simply taking in the scenery, the day offered a chance to connect with nature and one another.

We want to thank Bass Pro Shops and Forty Woods Bait N' Tackle for donating fishing gear and bait, and the Missouri Dept. of Conservation for providing fishing permits. We're thankful to our sponsors for helping our participants enjoy a day of fishing, fresh air, and lasting memories together. 🌞

October is full of fun at our El Dorado Springs Day Program! From pumpkin patch trips to Halloween celebrations, here’s what’s happening this month. 🗓️🍂 🎃

Upcoming Highlights:
🍪October 5: Monster Cookie Baking Class
☀️October 6: Ha Ha Tonka Trip (please bring a cold lunch)
🎳October 13: Bowling in Nevada ($6 payment)
🎃October 16: Copperhead Island Pumpkin Patch Trip ($12 payment due October 13, please bring a cold lunch)
🎂October 26: Birthday Celebration and Bingo
🍁October 30: Halloween Party at 1 p.m. (snacks provided)

Important Notes:
• $12 payment for Copperhead Island Pumpkin Patch Trip is due October 13.
• Please bring a cold lunch for the Ha Ha Tonka and Pumpkin Patch trips.
• The Halloween Party will be held in the Auditorium at 1 p.m.

At Firefly Joplin Day Program, each month brings new opportunities to learn, create, and connect. This October, we'll enjoy fall-themed activities, volunteer projects, walking club challenges, a pumpkin patch trip, and a fun Halloween Party. We’re looking forward to another month of building friendships, exploring our community, and having fun together! 🍁🎃✨

Upcoming Highlights:
🎖️October 5: Special Olympics Bowling Sign-Up Deadline
🎤October 9: Karaoke in the Auditorium
🎃October 16: Copperhead Island Pumpkin Patch Trip (payment is due October 14, bring a sack lunch)
🎉October 30: Halloween Party and Costume Contest at 1 p.m.

Important Notes:
• Walking Club participants can earn prizes for reaching their step goals.
• Cooking Class gives individuals the opportunity to help prepare and enjoy recipes and snacks.
• Individuals participate in volunteer activities throughout the community, including Meals on Wheels and recycling projects.
• Questions about Special Olympics Bowling? Contact Katie or April at (417) 626-0008.
• Day Program will be closed November 26-27 for Thanksgiving.

Everyone deserves access to the information they need to make their own choices and participate in their community.

In recognition of Disability Voting Rights Week, individuals in the Springfield area recently welcomed Shelby Butler, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy with empower: abilities, for a conversation about voting options and accessible ways to participate in elections.

Thank you to Shelby and Empower: Abilities for sharing this information and helping individuals learn more about their voting rights and options!

What a week celebrating our DSPs! 💜🎉

Firefly teams across Missouri went all out for DSP Recognition Week! Celebrations looked a little different at each location, with everything from pancake breakfasts and walking tacos to spirit days, team challenges, prizes and special awards.

Take a look at just a few of the celebrations held across Firefly this week. 📸

To all of our DSPs, thank you for the dedication, heart and hard work you bring every day. And thank you to everyone who helped make this week so special!