#GivingTuesday
Connect people with disabilities to ever-greater possibilities for learning, jobs, and safe places to call home.
New Beginnings: Kiwani’s Dream for a Brighter Future
Kiwani’s journey with Aspire began amid a swirl of unexpected challenges and the pressing need for a new living situation.
At Aspire, #GivingTuesday holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a day dedicated to giving back and making a positive change – when the world comes together to make a difference for people with disabilities.
We hope your #GivingTuesday is celebrated by making a gift to Aspire, creating the possibility for people with disabilities to engage in life-long learning experiences that help them fulfill their destinies. We have ambitious goals to raise $155,000 and bring inspiration to life in our community by engaging hundreds of new people with our mission.
All gifts made on #GivingTuesday will be multiplied through a matching contribution from one of Aspire’s generous donors.
When you support Aspire this #GivingTuesday you make it possible for people with disabilities to achieve their dreams, create deeper connections, and experience the joy of belonging every day.
Interested in being an Aspire #GivingTuesday advocate? Download our Giving Tuesday toolkit below to help share our message of boundless inclusivity in your community.
#GivingTuesday Ambassadors
We are excited to introduce you to our inspiring #GivingTuesday Ambassadors! Through Kiwani, Zach, and Lissette’s challenges and achievements, you can experience how your generosity empowers people with disabilities to explore new possibilities in living, learning, and working. The difference your support makes comes to life in their powerful stories.
Kiwani
Kiwani is a dreamer who came to Aspire in need of change and support so that she could become the best version of herself. She is working to overcome the challenges of her past. Experiences in the community continue to bring her closer to the future she envisions for herself.
Recently Kiwani visited the Lincoln Park Zoo. She beamed getting to see some of her favorite animals for the first time, including snow leopards, the big cats, and wild dogs.
This experience has sparked an interest in pursuing a future working with animals. Kiwani hopes she can fuel her passion and volunteer at an animal shelter.
For Kiwani, your help has inspired her through each new experience and is taking her another step closer to reaching her dreams.
Zach
Zach is organized, determined, and adaptable. After graduating college in 2021, the road to finding employment has been longer and more challenging than expected.
After experiencing setbacks, Zach started receiving support from Aspire. He successfully applied for jobs and the process didn’t feel so stressful.
Recently, Zach attended an employment workshop hosted by Medline and Aspire. Through this connection, Zach was able to make progress in refining his approach to finding employment and share more about the challenges he faces with the application process as someone with a disability. Through this experience, Zach was able to share his passion for disability advocacy in the workplace and feels confident that an employer will recognize his strong work ethic, loyalty, and commitment and make the great decision to hire him soon!
Lissette
Lissette lives in an Aspire Community Home, surrounded by her closest friends.
This year, a dedicated Aspire team member developed a dance program that provides Lissette with the opportunity to learn different styles of dance, perform in the community, and, most importantly, grow her confidence.
Dancing makes Lissette feel happy. Nothing can compare to the first time she competed with her friends and felt that she had found where she belongs. She remembers being very nervous, but soon recognized that she could overcome her fears through encouragement from those she trusts.
The sense of inclusion and community among friends could be seen and felt by the crowds of people cheering. One team member recounts that, “the support was out of control.”
Dance helps her bond with her roommates and friends in a way she had never experienced before. She is building a home where she feels included and belongs.
Support from you can make successes like these possible.
Your commitment today will help even more people with disabilities be inspired to discover their dreams like Kiwani, make connections that lead to employment like Zach, and, and discover an encouraging community where they belong like Lissette.
At Aspire, we work alongside people with disabilities to open doors and amplify possibilities. Our programs and partnerships help empower people, rethink accessibility, and reshape our communities.
Download the general toolkit
#GivingTuesday Toolkit
Help Spread our message!
Engage your friends and family with Aspire’s mission. Send an email, text our donation link, or post on social media to encourage support on Giving Tuesday.
Below are some resources to make it easier for you to support Aspire this #GivingTuesday
Email Example
Help spread our mission by sending a personalized email to your friends and family.
If you have any questions about Aspire, #GivingTuesday, or if you’re interested in customizing your fundraising initiatives, please contact Kate Bousum at kbousum@aspirechicago.com. We can set-up a brief conversation to identify your personal goals and how Aspire can support your outreach and generosity!
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