Cicero Kiwanis donate $500 to help adults with developmental disabilities

Mephibosheth Ministries Development Manager Dawn D. Savage receives a $500 check from Cicero Kiwanis Club President Emily Pearson. They are surrounded by club members. (Front row, from left) Doug Carlson, Nick Barger, Dottie Carlson, Emily Pearson, Dawn Savage, Beverly Symon, and Earline Gibson. (Back row, from left) Todd Clevenger, Jan Unger, and Paul Gibson. (Photo provided by Cicero Kiwanis)

Dawn D. Savage, Development Manager at Mephibosheth Ministries, Inc. (MM), served as guest speaker at the Saturday, Feb. 25 meeting of the Cicero Kiwanis Club.

Savage, who only recently took on her title at MM, updated members on the services this local 501(c)(3) provides for adults who have developmental challenges.

Four core programs make up its service ministries: 1. Residential program that provides housing and support for individuals; 2. The Way Day Camp that offers a wide variety of activities and experiences for participants; 3. Friends Group, an adaptive worship service; and, 4. Summer Camp, a week-long camp located in Converse, Ind. Each of these programs require direct support professionals, volunteers, and funding.

To raise money for programs and activities, MM holds various fundraising events. One of those events is Dash for disAbilities, which takes place on May 20 at Red Bridge Park in Cicero. The Dash is another reason Savage talked to Kiwanis members. Each year the club makes a donation to MM and members volunteer at the event or participate in the dash.

To learn more about this organization that offers many opportunities to an often underserved population, visit Facebook.com/MephiboshethMinistries and mm-abilities.org.