DISABILITY PROGRAM SERVICES
In 2024, our Disability Program Services continued to evolve with a focus on strengthening the core of what makes our programs impactful: high-quality support, the development of social and life skills, and inclusive community. With a steady commitment to excellence and an increase in grant funding from organizations who believe in the value of our work, we continued to enhance participant experience through intentional program development and consistent staff training. This year, we further deepened the connection between Arts for All and Taglit, expanding opportunities and broadening our community with more cross-program participation. Our dedicated team remains at the heart of this work. Ongoing staff development and training have ensured that participants receive person-centered support so that each individual receives the care, attention, and opportunities they need to thrive. Some highlights from the year include: • The Lapan Sunshine Foundation continued to be a valuable partner bringing therapy dogs (and joy) to visit the Arts for All and Taglit programs once a week. • Taglit engaged with the value of Tikkun Olam through monthly sandwich-making events with Congregation Bet Shalom to provide food for houseless people living in Tucson. • Invisible Theatre’s Pastime Players provided weekly “innovative art education” for Taglit participants that focused on ability rather than disability. • To foster more creativity and cross-program participation, Taglit visited Arts for All weekly to participate in art and ceramics classes led by AFA teaching artists. • Arts for All’s programming incorporated new mindfulness and wellness classes to supplement their core art classes. • Board certified musical therapist, Sierra Norris, provided weekly musical therapy classes and performances to Taglit and AFA participants. For summer camp, Sierra coordinated a summer concert series where local bands played live concerts for Taglit, AFA, and summer campers. • Alba Montalvo Canez, Arts for All Direct Support Professional and Wendy Nevarez, Taglit Direct Support Professional, were awarded DPS Professional Excellence Awards. • Charlie Paige, Sr. Director of Disability Program
“Our 34-year-old daughter has been a member of the Taglit Day Program for approximately 13 years, and rightly considers it her ‘home away from home’. She has a significant intellectual disability and has been unemployable since graduating high school. Taglit has been a truly important part of her life in contributing to her and her family’s well-being. We chose the JCC/Taglit program for our child after looking originally for volunteer opportunities for our child. We were particularly impressed with the uniqueness and breadth of activities provided, and the staff’s willingness to include input from the families. The program’s proximity/inclusion in the JCC has provided multiple opportunities for enrichment, especially with respect to physical activity, which she needs (yoga, Zumba, gym activities, etc.). She especially likes day trips to the various events connected to the University and throughout the community. I (her father) am Jewish and appreciate the exposure to Jewish culture and traditions. Our family is particularly thankful for the care and thought put into the day-to-day schedules of our children by Taglit leadership.” - Anonymous Taglit Parent conference in Charlotte, NC and Missi Alston, who was promoted in 2024 to Assistant Director of Disability Program Services, took Spanish classes for professional development. Services, attended a national APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First)
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator