Contributing to the community offers chance for those with all abilities to make an impact

This paid piece is sponsored by DakotAbilities.

As a member of St. Therese Catholic Church, Shirley does far more than simply attend on Sundays.

Before Mass, she greets and welcomes others. She’s the one handing out books for the liturgy and, along the way, bringing out the best in others.

“This isn’t just for window dressing,” Deacon Thane Barnier said.

“Her smile, her joy and her genuine love for everyone puts them in a frame of mind to be open to Christ working in their lives during our services. She is one of those ‘heartbeat’ people. She brings out the best in people, and I like to think she has brought out the best in me.”

If you just heard this volunteer’s story and didn’t know any different, you’d likely never guess that Shirley is one of thousands in the Sioux Falls community living with a disability.

That’s the point — that all people have special abilities, if we find the ways to capture them.

“Shirley is always eager to help, and despite her challenges, she finds ways to make a tangible difference in the church,” Barnier said.

March marks Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to offer a platform and shine a light on the contributions people with disabilities make in our community and to advocate for understanding, inclusion and support.

“When meeting someone with a disability, the most important thing to remember is don’t make assumptions,” said Nathan Stallinga, executive director at DakotAbilities. “What you’ll find is we have more in common with each other than we have differences, like shared hobbies or shared love of music and art. It’s easy to find common ground.”

That’s the case at Levitt at the Falls, where people supported by DakotAbilities regularly help support the free concert series.

“Levitt at the Falls’ mission to build community through music doesn’t just apply to concert attendees,” said Laura Mullen, Levitt’s director of volunteer engagement. “Volunteers are integral to the community-building that occurs on the Levitt lawn.

“For the past three years, a group of volunteers from DakotAbilities has served as greeters for our morning children’s concerts. The friendly smiles and joy of our DakotAbilities volunteers provide a warm welcome for our family concert guests and demonstrates Levitt is an accessible space for neighbors in our community to come together.”

In recent years, DakotAbilities has placed a growing emphasis on providing opportunities for individuals to thrive, including improved access to housing, day services and health care.

Additionally, efforts to promote education and employment opportunities, as well as independent living arrangements, have gained traction, empowering individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

“Advocacy impacts change” is one of DakotAbilities’ core values, driving progress and guiding relationships within the business community, including area nonprofits with similar services.

One example is a partnership with Volunteers of America, where people supported by DakotAbilities play a key role at the GreaterGoods Store.

“Many of the people we support look for volunteer jobs, and working with GreaterGoods has been ideal because they have many things to do,” said Donna Menzia, day recreational manager at DakotAbilities.

“Some volunteers help with determining fees of items, and others help stock shelves according to GreaterGoods’ department map. It’s a new relationship that has been working out very well.”

It’s also making an impact.

“Volunteers from DakotAbilities truly make a difference at GreaterGoods, and the time they commit has an impact not just on us but all our member organizations,” said Sarah Hanson, managing director at Volunteers of America. “We’re so thankful to these volunteers and to DakotAbilities for this partnership.”

Volunteers from DakotAbilities also make a difference by volunteering at the Foster Closet, part of the Foster Network, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children in foster care.

“It has been a true joy to be side by side with DakotAbilities as we serve the community,” said Anita Leslie, a staff member at the Foster Network. “Volunteers hang clothes, prepare hygiene kits, clean toys and stock books. They bring smiles and enthusiasm every time they serve.”

And, there’s always room to do more. If your business or organization is interested in partnering with DakotAbilities, visit dakotabilities.org or call 605-334-4220.

“By fostering a culture of acceptance and support, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities that value the unique contributions of every individual,” Stallinga said.

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