Janus Developmental Services is “Helping Lives Bloom”

For the Love of Janus Guild held its third annual Helping Lives Bloom fundraiser last Thursday evening, June 15, at Mustard Seed Gardens in Noblesville.

“This is our big fundraiser of the year,” said Guild Vice President Janet Ingham.

The ticketed, after-hours event welcomed close to 150 guests, including sponsors, staff, participants, parents, and long-time supporters, allowing them to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere with appetizers and a cash bar.

“This is the largest turnout we’ve had,” said Janus Development and Communications Director Jerry Jamison.

Last year in the silent auction, 13 gift baskets raised over $3,000. This year, the Guild put together 16 themed gift baskets with donated goods. The most popular basket, a Bourbon basket valued at $125, went for $500, and one generous bidder won a total of five baskets. Gift cards for restaurants and services rounded out the auction offerings.

Janus CFO Kim Loeffler and Human Resources Director Tracey Rathke ran a wine pull for the event. Individuals donated 100 bottles of wine valued from around $8 to $100 per bottle. For $20, guests could pull a cork from a silver bowl and match it with a bottle of wine to take home.

All funds raised through both the silent auction and wine pull go directly toward the guild’s mission of creating experiences that enhance Janus participants’ social and emotional wellbeing.

Each month, For the Love of Janus Guild members throw a party complete with cupcakes and gifts for participants who are celebrating birthdays that month. This year, participants are receiving personalized backpacks.

The Guild helps participants celebrate holidays, as well, such as hosting a Halloween brunch complete with red carpet costume walk.

The Guild has also donated needed items such as an ice machine, an air fryer, and clothing.

“If we hear of anything they need, we try to supply it,” said Guild Treasurer Leslie Carothers, whose daughter, Theresa, is a Janus participant. “We love each and every one of them.”

The evening’s short program focused on community employment.

“Employment is really the key to independence,” said Janus President and CEO Yolanda Kincaid.

Brennan Greer talked about the mission of the Janus Community Employment Program which is to ensure that Janus participants have successful employment experiences in the community.

“I always tell employers that 90 percent of the time people with disabilities are the hardest workers,” Greer said.

At last year’s event, Janus participant Ben shared his tear-jerking story of surviving a car crash at the age of six.

“I have a condition called TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) so I forget a lot and repeat myself a lot,” said Ben. “But I try to keep shooting for the stars, which is what we all want to do.”

This year, Ben, who is successfully employed at TJ Maxx, interviewed fellow Janus participant, Evan. Through answering Ben’s questions, Evan told the audience how Greer helped him find his dream job at Stoney Creek Elementary School in Noblesville in addition to the job he holds at Ace Hardware.

“There are people out there with disabilities who don’t know what opportunities they can have,” Evan said. “Janus brings those opportunities to people, and they are able to make an impact on the world.”

Jeff, a participant who recently moved to the area from Valparaiso, shared about his experience working at Capabilities Cafe in the lower level of the Judicial Center in Noblesville and that he is looking forward to moving into his own apartment soon.

“What Janus does is phenomenal,” said Pat Fox, former CEO of Riverview Hospital and long-time Janus supporter. “I have so much respect for the skills these adults have.”

Board Chair Mary Jane Coffing relayed the story of Dan Bigley, author of the book “Beyond the Bear” about his life after being blinded in a bear attack.

“He learned that the bigger his life was, the smaller his disability,” Coffing said. “When you have something meaningful to do with your day, it makes your life so much bigger … I believe this is what it means to help lives bloom.”

Sponsors for the event include Advisors Mortgage Group, Conner Insurance, Gaylor Electrics, George Kristo, Kemper CPA Group, Linnea, Purdue University, Riverview Health, and Taylored Systems.

Janus Developmental Services is located at 1555 Westfield Road in Noblesville. Mustard Seed Gardens, owned by Mark and Teresa Skipper, is located just down the road to the east at 77 Metsker Lane. Learn more about what Janus has to offer and how you can support them at janus-inc.org.