Expand-Able Horizons board members Neal Falk and Keith Lewis recently joined the Minden Rotary Club to share the vision and work of their new non-profit organization.
Along with founding director Suzanne Towse and fellow board members Mary White and Wendy Semas-Borchert, this all-volunteer initiative now serves nearly 35 adults with developmental disabilities in the local community and surrounding areas.
The mission of Expand-Able Horizons is to enhance the quality of life for developmentally disabled adults through activities, education, skills training and coaching. Their goal is to foster social interaction and promote independent living.
Trying to fill a need to address the historically limited resources for these adults, the organization began in 2021 as a partnership with Arts for All Nevada to introduce an art class. Organizational support from the Carson Valley Arts Council and facilities support from the Douglas County Community Center in 2022 was a huge boost to move the activities to a weekly offering for the original eight participants. DCCC also provides space for the adults to learn to garden.
On a weekly basis, an Art class is offered on Wednesdays and a “Friday Fun Day” is offered which includes pickleball, games and bi-weekly visits from the Douglas County Library. Other bi-weekly offerings include dance and ukulele classes and a ceramics class. Life skills and money skills training will be added in the summer.
Current partners include AfAN, CV Arts Council, Douglas County Community Services, Douglas County Public Library, Family Support Council, Project Prom, iCanBike, Young at Heart, the Nature Conservancy, Carson Valley Trails Association and the River Wranglers. The long-term vision is to develop a full-fledged Day Program operating five days a week, with the resources to hire instructors and support staff and provide necessary supplies and materials.
To support these efforts, Expand-Able Horizons is hosting its inaugural Horizons of Hope Gala 5-9 p.m. March 8 at Minden Mercantile. The evening will feature catering by La Mere Lutz and live music by Jakota Wass. Table and advertising sponsorships are available — visit www.expandablehorizons.org for more details.
Minden Rotary meets 11:30 a.m. Thursdays at the COD Casino Garage in downtown Minden.