#GivingEveryTuesday: Life Skills
Each Tuesday, SHARE Omaha features a unique cause theme for #GivingEveryTuesday and encourages our community to give and support in any way we can! This week's #GivingEveryTuesday theme is Life Skills. Help support these local nonprofits with a gift today.
Autism Action Partnership
Katie Ping of Autism Action Partnership shares, "Donating to nonprofits that support life skills is crucial, as our organizations provide essential resources and training that empower individuals to lead independent, fulfilling lives. For autistic adults, life skills education can bridge the gap between dependence and autonomy, fostering self-reliance and confidence. These programs help participants develop practical abilities such as financial literacy, navigating transportation independently, cooking, personal care, and social interaction, which are often overlooked but are vital for daily living and long-term success. Your contributions directly impact the ability of nonprofits like ours to offer comprehensive, tailored programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of participants and their families."
Autism Action Partnership offers programming which is transforming the metro area by equipping autistic young adults with the skills they need to thrive independently. Their programs, Prosper Academy and Prosper Workforce Services, not only enhance the lives of students but also enriches the community by fostering a more inclusive environment. By helping students gain and maintain employment, navigate social situations and live autonomously, they are reducing dependency on social services and increasing their contributions to the local economy. AAP’s COMPASS program works to educate the community at large about neurodiversity which fosters greater understanding and acceptance of people whose brains happen to operate outside of the “norm.” We should celebrate the fact that there may be individuals who see things from another perspective, bring new skills/talents to the table, and have new/different ideas than others.
"One crucial thing AAP needs from our community is commitment to inclusion. Creating a truly inclusive community means actively supporting and embracing autistic individuals across the lifespan in all aspects of community life. This includes encouraging local businesses to employ individuals with autism, advocating for inclusive practices that recognize disabilities across the metro, and promoting social acceptance through community events and training opportunities. Inclusion is essential because it breaks down barriers and combats the stigma that can surround autism. When the community embraces inclusive practices, it provides the autism community with more opportunities to apply life skills in real-world settings, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to our community. This not only benefits autistic individuals but also enriches the community by fostering diversity, empathy, and a stronger, more united social fabric. Your support in advocating for and practicing inclusion can make a profound difference in the lives of autistic individuals and the overall well-being of our community," says Katie.
Donate to Autism Action Partnership
Elite Disability Services of Nebraska, Inc
Patrick Hayes of Elite Disability Services of Nebraska shares, " We believe it is important to donate to nonprofits because cause-related funding allows us to fuel the engine of care and create new and innovative opportunities to support the mission of growing independence amongst our participants."
Elite Disability Services of Nebraska is more than an agency focused on the development and inclusion of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. They are a safe space for our participants to have their voices heard and then amplified. They are devoted advocates and champions of person-centered care who tirelessly pursue ways to remove barriers that stand in the way of what is needed and necessary.
"Our biggest need is the empowerment of financial engagement from our community. The goodwill of the people and organizations that our community is made of is a driving force that removes limitations and enables possibilities," says Patrick.
Donate to Elite Disability Services of Nebraska
Discover more local nonprofits supporting Life Skills and choose your ways to help.