As 2025 approaches, we want to take a moment to reflect on a monumental year filled with growth, collaboration, and gratitude. Through our ongoing commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families, this year has marked significant milestones that have strengthened our impact and prepared us for an even brighter future.
Here are some of the highlights that made 2024 so remarkable:
ADEC Resource Center: A New Hub for Services
In May, ADEC acquired a new facility at 1205 Middleton Run Road in Elkhart to establish the ‘ADEC Resource Center.’ This facility has become a hub for several essential services, including the Elkhart Day Program, Child and Family Services (such as Therapies and Summer Camp), the Skills and Training Program, and administrative offices. Renovations prioritized accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring the center would meet the diverse needs of our community. By December, the Resource Center was fully operational, offering centralized, high-quality services to our clients and families.
The Return of Ride-A-Bike
In partnership with local businesses and agencies, ADEC proudly returned the annual Ride-A-Bike fundraising event for the first time since the pandemic. The overwhelming generosity of our community members helped raise critical funds for underfunded programs, enabling us to enhance services for individuals with disabilities. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this event a success.
Program Expansion
We were honored to receive a contract to deliver Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to high schools across St. Joseph County. This program helps students with disabilities transition from school to work by equipping them with essential skills and experiences for employment.
To meet growing demand, ADEC expanded the summer camp program to include a new location in Mishawaka. With two locations now serving families in Elkhart and Mishawaka, more children will be able to enjoy a summer filled with growth, connection, and fun in 2025 and beyond.
Advocating for Inclusion and Self-Advocacy
In 2024, ADEC celebrated the second anniversary of the “Expert Tips by ADEC Self-Advocates” podcast, which continues to educate the public and amplify the voices of individuals with disabilities. Recognizing the importance of self-advocacy, ADEC has also created a new position dedicated to advocacy and volunteering, ensuring we continue empowering our advocates and championing inclusion.
Strengthening Community Connections
Our day programs have been engaging with the community through hundreds of volunteer hours and some exciting outings. We have also enjoyed connecting with our community through our Silver Bullets program, Special Olympics, Kiwanis Aktion Club, church activities, and more. These efforts underscore our commitment to fostering meaningful connections and promoting inclusion in every aspect of community life.
Celebrating Our Volunteers
The success of our projects and events this year would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers. We extend our deepest gratitude to every event-specific and recurring volunteer for generously contributing your time and energy, leaving a lasting impact on the ADEC community!
Grant Support
This year, ADEC benefited from local grant support, which has been instrumental in expanding our programming. We are incredibly grateful for the funding we have received from Lozier’s Community Grant, 1st Source Foundation, Everwise Credit Union, Neighborhood Assistance Program, Community Foundation of Elkhart County, and Elkhart Rotary.
Celebrating Stability and Teamwork
ADEC experienced a year of stability thanks to strong staffing levels across the agency. This success is a testament to the dedication of our HR team, leaders, managers, and every staff member who contributed to creating a supportive and thriving work environment. With a well-staffed team, we have been better equipped to accomplish our mission and serve our community.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we prepare to welcome 2025, we do so with immense gratitude for everyone who has made 2024 a year to remember. To our staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters, thank you for your unwavering dedication to ADEC’s mission. We are building a brighter future for individuals with disabilities and their families. Here’s to continued growth and success in the year ahead.
Happy New Year from all of us at ADEC!
