Support & Giving

Abilities Plus relies on the generosity of many individuals in order to offer quality programs and services to our community.   We understand that each donor is different, which is why we offer individuals a variety of ways to support us and our mission.   A donation can provide services during crucial developmental years or help an individual achieve financial independence.   At Abilities Plus, the sky's the limit.

Operating
This funds the day-to-day services of the agency.   We depend on these donations to meet the expenses of our various programs.   While grants and fees support many of the programs, they are seldom able to support 100 percent of the cost.   The annual Holiday Appeal proceeds are used to support this fund.   At this time, donors are recognized in Abilities Plus marketing materials.

Estate Planning
Some donors wish to make their contributions at a later date.   Abilities Plus is prepared and honored to be included in an individual's estate plan.   There are many ways to include the agency, such as through bequests, life insurance policies, gifts of property, IRAs, or 401Ks.   There are many details to consider, and interested individuals should discuss options with their legal/financial advisors.

"Building for A+ Stars" Capital Campaign/Building Fund
The Capital Campaign pledge period began in 2003 and will end on Dec. 31, 2009.   Donations were collected to purchase and remodel the Carol Blake Center.  The site is the home of our current day program facility located at 1100 N. East St. in Kewanee.   Those who donate during the specified date range are added to the Recognition Wall inside the day program building.   After the pledge period ends, donations may still be designated to the Building Fund to help with future improvements to the facility.   Unrestricted memorials are placed in this fund, as well.  

"Bringing Home the Dream" Group Home Campaign/Residential Development Fund
Abilities Plus is currently asking its supporters and friends to consider donating to this campaign.   The "Bringing Home the Dream" campaign is designed to raise funds to offset the cost of constructing a new eight-bed group home for adults with developmental disabilities (for more information on the construction, please visit the New Group Home or Testimonials tabs).   The agency began collecting pledges in the summer of 2008 and has set the pledge period to stretch through 2013.   Those who donate during the specified pledge period will be included in the recognition system for this home (details coming soon).  

Since the need for additional residential facilities is growing, the agency will continue to have a Residential Development Fund after the current campaign pledge period ends.   Donations will ensure that agency owned and operated facilities will be available for people with disabilities who are searching for clean, affordable, and accessible housing, complete with staff supports to assure individuals can remain independent while maintaining family and community relationships.

Endowment
The Endowment was created to provide support for programs and opportunities which enhance independence and active decision making for people with disabilities within our service delivery area.   The interest is used annually to fund scholarships and projects that promote our mission.  Depending on the donation given, a donor may be recognized on a donor plaque or the Founders' Rock.

Agency Wish List/Selected Projects
If a donor would like to fund a specific project within the agency, arrangements can be made.   A list of projects in need of funding can be obtained from Abilities Plus.  This highlights the "wish list" of the agency that the budget cannot fund.  Current wish list items include:
  -  Two electronic blood pressure cuffs (Residential)
  -  Bobcat loader, pickup truck, repaving the staff parking lot (Maintenance)
  -  Vocational training videos, age appropriate computer training programs, and a forklift (Work Services)
  -  Supplies for fine arts program, including art, music & theatre (Developmental Training)
  -  DJ for client dance, oven for client kitchen, new tables and chairs for client break room, change counting machine (General needs)

Volunteering
Abilities Plus has many areas in need of extra help.   Children's Services would like volunteers to assist the staff in washing toys and helping with Friday playgroup activities (10-11 a.m.).   Assistance is also needed during arrival (9 - 9:30 a.m.), departure (2:30 - 3 p.m.), breaks, and the lunch hour for our Adult Day Program.   The Special Olympics program allows volunteers to work directly with assigned clients to teach and develop athletic skills at practice and supervise them at competitive events.  

Not all of our volunteering opportunities are able to provide close interaction with those we serve.   Individuals interested in crafts can create dried flower wreaths.   Our Resale Shop is also operated entirely by volunteers.   The shop, located in Kewanee, needs volunteers to receive, sort, and price clothing and other merchandise.   They also assist in keeping the racks on the sale floor stocked and organized, as well as greet customers, offer assistance, make change and bag purchases.  Aside from these activities, Abilities Plus also sponsors a number of events throughout the year, such as a golf outing.   If you are interested in helping at a specific event, please contact the agency for more details.

Donations can be made out to Abilities Plus, 1100 N. East St., Kewanee, IL 61443.   Please remember to include how you would like the money used in the memo line of the check.