Let’s Move!
The Chapel in Green created a first-floor space for EchoingU of Northeast Ohio. This process lasted months and involved building and knocking down walls, painting, and installing new carpets. Habilitation Coordinator Cori Kraft stated, “The growth came gradually but appeared to happen suddenly.”
To make the transition go smoothly, individuals toured the new space. Tours helped individuals who needed more time to get acquainted with the space they would soon move into. It was a team effort, volunteers and individuals helped to pack and organize. Cori shared, “One individual helped carry my stapler between floors. She placed it on my desk and posed, pointing to the stapler. She looked as proud as a peacock!”
Upon moving, the EchoingU program has grown closer to the Chapel. In addition to creating space, the chapel has hosted multiple events for the EchoingU program. Once a year they host the “Jesus prom” with this year’s theme being “Down on the Farm.” Yeehaw Cowboy!
The Chapel has also hosted cookouts and other themed events. For example, during Christmas time, the chapel rented a snow machine making it snow in the sanctuary. What a wonderful time of year!
The move was necessary because of safety concerns, meeting on the first floor will result in fewer complications during potential emergencies. They enjoy lessons and activities in their new space, such as book club, where students read or listen to the reading and complete worksheets connecting to the book.
Staff and individuals became more involved with the church by moving to the first floor because of the closer access to the sanctuary. The move allowed individuals to have more opportunities to serve with the church. The program has continued to do the excellent work they have always done – revolutionizing lives one day at a time.
At Echoing Hills, this is our mission. We aim to revolutionize the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ. The individuals are the core of the ministry and Echoing Hills encourages personal expression through respect, dignity, and choice
