A Life of Their Own

Dianne’s Continuing ADEC Adventure: Flying to Arizona
Dianne’s Continuing ADEC Adventure: Flying to Arizona

Dianne’s Continuing ADEC Adventure: Flying to Arizona

2017-03-31T12:46:31-04:00March 31st, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Dignity, Direct Support|

At 67 years old, Dianne Hampshire is living proof that it's never too late to enjoy a new adventure. A few months ago, we shared this incredible story of Dianne and Richard Hampshire reuniting after eight years of searching for [...]

ADEC’s ‘Wings for All’ takes the scare out of the air for children with disabilities

2017-03-28T10:11:56-04:00March 28th, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Community, Families, News|

From long security lines to strange machines that bounce electromagnetic waves off your body, air travel can be a chaotic and confusing experience. The process of clearing security and boarding a flight can cause anxiety for any family. But for [...]

ADEC Remembers Joel Oaks

2017-03-17T10:25:10-04:00March 17th, 2017|A Life of Their Own|

There was just something about him. He had a charming sense of humor. He had a smile that was almost a smirk. – Jodi Taylor, ADEC Guardian Advocate Joel Oaks, or “Joey,” as his friends lovingly called him, never missed [...]

ADEC’s Resource + Transition Fair set for March 11 at Goshen College

2017-02-17T11:32:04-05:00February 17th, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Community, Families, News|

Receiving and living with a disability diagnosis can be overwhelming. Families are asked to learn a new language and navigate a complex system of forms, government agencies and local resources. But ADEC can help. Not only does the nonprofit offer [...]

ADEC client is a small business owner with big hopes

2017-02-03T11:50:03-05:00February 3rd, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Dignity, News|

Look up Erin Smoker's Etsy page and you'll find this description, Buttercups Emporium is my new adventure. I wanted to become more independent so with the help of some friends we have my shop started. I enjoy making items for [...]

When you give to ADEC, we give back

2017-01-16T16:30:01-05:00January 16th, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Community, News|

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'" At ADEC, we give back in many ways. Each week, ADEC clients volunteer their time as a way to connect with [...]

Remembering Lawrence Jones

2017-01-09T08:31:19-05:00January 9th, 2017|A Life of Their Own, Dignity|

Cheese balls, 1970’s motown, rubber bands, balloons and dogs - these were just a few of Lawrence Jones’ favorite things. “He loved to dance,” remembers Gale LeCount, ADEC program manager. “He would just grab me and dance.” We don’t know [...]

You’re invited: ADEC presents free screening of award-winning documentary ‘Life, Animated’ on January 10

2016-12-16T13:27:40-05:00December 16th, 2016|A Life of Their Own, Community, Families|

Owen Suskind was a thriving, typically developing 3-year-old boy — until suddenly he wasn’t. “He loses speech, he loses motor function, he can’t meet your gaze. He just kind of vanished,” Owen’s father, Ron Suskind said. “It was like we [...]

‘Please don’t feel sorry for me’: ECHS fall play includes story of Jonny Riblet, student with cerebral palsy

2016-11-10T14:10:29-05:00November 10th, 2016|A Life of Their Own, Families|

When kids pass by Jonny Riblet in the hallway at school or in the aisle at the grocery store, his mom can see the curiosity in their eyes. They want to know why Jonny is in a wheelchair, why he [...]

Shop Art by ADEC store, Support client opportunities

2016-09-30T14:17:20-04:00September 30th, 2016|A Life of Their Own, News|

Have you been searching for the perfect gift for your friend’s birthday? Or maybe there’s a blank spot on your wall for a piece of meaningful art? As of Wednesday, October 5, Elkhart’s newest shopping destination - the Art by [...]