.gif)
On Saturday, March 23rd, And Then hosted an open house event that brought together community members, supporters, and local businesses for a day of celebration and connection. The event, held at the newly renovated And Then facility on Lyons Ave., showcased the organization’s dedication to empowering young adults with learning challenges and providing them with meaningful opportunities. One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of And Then’s latest initiative, the YOUniversity concept.
The open house featured a variety of activities and attractions, including tours of the And Then facility, interactive demonstrations of the programs offered, Jack & Mary’s Coffee Shop, and opportunities to meet the young adults and staff involved in the organization. Attendees had the chance to learn more about And Then’s mission and impact on the community while enjoying refreshments and to visit with some adorable puppies from the Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter.
And Then’s latest initiative, the YOUniversity concept is an innovative program which aims to provide young adults with learning challenges with a college-type experience, offering opportunities for continued learning, socialization, and eventually assisted living. The launch of YOUniversity marks a significant milestone for And Then and reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to empowering young adults to reach their full potential. Participants had the opportunity to see the type of services available to community members and local businesses, such as curbside recycling pickup, document shredding, and drink delivery services.
They also observed our young adults working alongside And Then staff to create some of our handmade goods, which are available for purchase online through our Jack & Mary’s website, inside our Jack & Mary’s store, and at various local stores. It’s important to highlight that all proceeds from the sale of our handmade goods and coffee directly support and enhance the And Then programs.
“We are thrilled to see such strong support from the community for our open house event,” said Erin, founder of And Then, “It’s inspiring to see so many people come together to celebrate our young adults and the incredible progress they have made. We are excited to continue expanding our programs and making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.”
The open house event also provided an opportunity for And Then to express gratitude to its supporters and volunteers who have played a vital role in the organization’s success. From donations to volunteer work, the community’s support has been instrumental in helping And Then fulfill its mission of empowering young adults with learning And Then is deeply grateful for the invaluable support and financial contributions from organizations, businesses, and individuals such as the Turtle Wing Foundation, Stanzel Family Foundation, Seybro Door & Weatherstrip, as well as our personal donors, including Cale & Kendal Kobza, William Bishop & Julia Audrey, and Kim Goode. Their generosity enables the organization to continue our vital work and make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
As the day came to a close, attendees left the open house feeling inspired and uplifted by the sense of community and camaraderie that permeated the event. With the continued support of the community, And Then looks forward to making an even greater impact in the lives of young adults with learning challenges in the years to come.
For more information about And Then and how to get involved or support, visit their website at www. andthenanewday.com and on Facebook and Instagram at @andthenanewday.
