Jayland Partners offers its thanks

To the editor:

We at Jayland Partners would like to acknowledge the support from our community in 2023 to promote social connections and activities for people with disabilities in the Jayland area. 

Our financial support this year included: United Way of Jay County, Ruth Ann Widman, Rogers and Janice Durham, Delta Theta Tau XI Chapter, Delta Theta Tau Sorority Zeta Alpha, Progressive Insurance Foundation, First Merchants Bank, Greg and Jane Ann Runyon, Organizational Solutions, Thrivent Action Team and William Lawrence and family.

In May, many people from the Jayland area enjoyed special needs prom in Muncie. Thank you Rhonda Mock Short, who captured photos at the John Center for Learning of everyone looking their best. Thanks to Reni Lawhead at Reni’s Heaven Scent in Redkey for helping with the corsages and boutonnieres and Jane Ann Runyon for arranging for us to use the space. 

In December, Jayland Partners celebrated our “Jingle & Mingle” as our 11th annual Christmas party, with about 250 people with special needs, their families and caregivers. Special thanks to Bryant Wesleyan Church and Pastor Paul VanCise, who was our host location and of great support. Thank you to the Jay County High School guidance office who shared our need for volunteers with high school seniors seeking to get involved as well as earn their service hours. 

Our board greatly appreciates all our volunteers this year. These volunteers included: Devon Smith, Vickie Daniels and Kassi Huey of Judan Judo, Rhonda Mock Short, Heidi and Tony Bowman, Adrienne Denney, Jalisa, Oaklyn and Wylder Chesney, Jay County Special Olympics, Dezi Keen, April Fullenkamp, Alexa Barrett, Laura Garringer, Elianna Myers of The Bowen Center, Angie Lutes, Heather Younts, Jo Peters, Chris and Angie Whitenack, Chris Davidson, Mariah Lawrence, Ruth Davidson, Jill and Phil Suman, Michelle Hostetler, Cindy Morris, George Hanlin, Monique Jellison, Madison Brunswick, Regina Muhlenkamp, Monica Raines, Kay Strausburg, Beth Burris, Billie Hammond, Diane Murphy, Vickie Brotherton, Shauna Runkle, Michelle Trobridge, Caren and Kenzie Huey, Ronyelle, Mason and Greg Edwards, Brian and Nate Chrisman, Nikki Crawmer, Bob Edwards, Sean Hacker, Jeanna and Kenzie Clayton, Riah Champ, Zander and Xavier Hudson, Angie Kyle, Robert Adkins, Brock, Kelsey, Bailey Muhlenkamp, Tom and Mindy Kemper of Delaware County Special Needs Prom, Cheryl Ruiz, Laura and Matt Pieper, Randy Lucas, Sam Glessner, Kurtis Atkinson, Kameron Woodbury, Ron Smith, Jerry Stewart, Josh Avery, JRDS-North Street staff, Elyse and Mallory Bost and friends, Kim Atkinson, Amanda and Zain Conn, Allison, Alexis and Jackie Tipton. Thank you Brian McGalliard of Portland Pizza King for donating pizza to feed our volunteers.

Again, thank you for your support. If anyone would like to learn more about the mission of Jayland Partners, please contact us on Facebook or by email at [email protected]. The Jayland Partners Board consists of Kathy Lawrence, Laura Strausburg-Smith, Amy Barrett, Jerri Hacker, Paula LeMaster, Brooke Muhlenkamp, Sheron McClung, Marcella Bodle and Linda Muhlenkamp.

Please reach out if you or someone you know is interested in getting involved or would like more information.

Thank you, Jayland area, for all your support.

Sincerely,

Kathy Lawrence

Jayland Partners Board