A Life of Their Own

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 [...]

Rosemary Poe: ‘Without ADEC, I would still be in the same hellhole I was born into’

2016-08-18T15:35:42-04:00August 18th, 2016|A Life of Their Own, Dignity, News|

A single ripe tomato sits on the windowsill of Rosemary Poe's ground-floor apartment. To most people, the fruit only represents the summer bounty still to come. But to Rosemary, the tomato is a symbol of the choice and possibility she [...]

#ADECvotes: Making the 2016 Election Accessible to People with Disabilities

2018-11-30T14:59:57-05:00August 8th, 2016|A Life of Their Own, Community, Dignity, News|

"I can't vote." As Elkhart County's voter outreach coordinator stood in front of the room at Day Service at Goshen and talked about the right to vote and the process to register, a client called me over to where he [...]