Service Without Boundaries Celebrates 10th Anniversary

When individuals with disabilities age out of school-based programming at 21, families often struggle to find opportunities for them to continue learning and receiving the necessary support. Ten years ago, several families attending the Y’s recreational programs asked if the YMCA at Pabst Farms could provide a day program that would allow their loved ones to grow, learn, and form meaningful relationships while they continued to work and maintain their households. The Y jumped at the chance to serve our participants in this way and, in 2014, Service Without Boundaries (SWB) was born.

Faith O’Leary was one of those families. Her son Kevin has been involved in the Y Special Programs since age 8 and she was overjoyed when the SWB program began just as Kevin aged out of school services. The first day of the program was his birthday. Faith is so thankful to everyone who has been involved in the development and success of the SWB program, “The amount of support our family receives is truly amazing!” Faith appreciates that the program “allows Kevin an opportunity to be involved in HIS community. He has developed friendships with his peers and is always happy and smiling.”

Starting with one day a week and 8 participants, Service Without Boundaries now runs four days a week, serving up to 24 participants a day, and has contributed over 2,000 hours of service across organizations like Oconomowoc Food Pantry, Zachariah’s Acres, Shorehaven Wellness Center, the library and Blue Butterfly Thrift Store.

Missy Kaun, Special Programs Director, reflects “It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. We started without even having a dedicated space and now we are expanding to include learning, exercising, and crafting.” Full-time caregiver Karen Drwila adds that the program has not only fostered her daughter Kristen’s independence but also provides her with a much-needed break.

The program’s impact goes beyond the participants. Special Programs Coordinator Katie Becker explains, “At the Y we talk about things that fill our cup and often other staff will visit the day program when they need their cup filled. It brings joy to the whole building.”

Reflecting on the journey, former Special Programs Director Jodi Dabrowski highlights the Y’s commitment to community: “I love how the Y can respond to a need. We listen to the families that we serve and do our best to help in any way that we can.” After 10 years, Service Without Boundaries remains a vital program, offering young adults with disabilities meaningful engagement, friendship, and connection to their community.