When Allison walks into the Judy Mahon Center (JMC), the room feels brighter. Judy Mahon Center Manager Brittany Warren shared, “Allison’s smile will light up the room. She loves to laugh. Her laughter and smile are both very contagious. She is such a great addition to the center.”

Allison has been connected to Community Living for just over ten years. Her parents first learned about Community Living while Allison was in high school, when she began attending the SOAR program. As working parents, SOAR was a great fit. It was a supportive, fun place for Allison to spend her afternoons while they were at work. After high school, Allison transitioned into Community Living’s Day Habilitation services at the Judy Mahon Center.

For her family, finding a community where Allison felt comfortable and supported took time. At Community Living, they found reassurance and relief knowing Allison was welcomed, included, and truly felt like she belonged.

“We’ve struggled with trying to find a community that Allison can fit into,” her parents said. “And we have found that at the Mahon Center.”

At JMC, Allison’s days include routine, responsibility, and connection. She’s able to lean into the tasks she enjoys and feels pride and confidence knowing she can complete them independently. Allison has daily jobs, including refilling silverware caddies in the morning and collecting trash bags in the afternoon. Those responsibilities have even carried over at home, where Allison now helps with trash duties as well.

“Allison has definitely grown,” her parents shared. “Her daily tasks at Mahon have made her proud of what she can do. It’s helped her become more independent and communicate her needs.”

Allison is also known for her kindness and looks out for others. She likes to greet her peers as they arrive and looks for ways to help. Sometimes that means picking up something that’s been dropped or lending a hand when someone needs it.

Some of Allison’s favorite experiences happen out in the community. She enjoys collecting recyclables at the St. Louis Cardinals games, delivering Smiley Face Cookies, and shopping for supplies for the center. During the day, she also enjoys exercising with her peers, coloring, listening to music, or watching movies.

Outside of the center, Allison enjoys cheering on her favorite football teams, fishing trips to the Lake of the Ozarks, and spending time with her very loved nephews, Baker and Wesley.

For Allison’s parents, knowing she spends her days engaged and contributing to the community brings peace of mind. “Having Allison attend the Mahon Center gives us a feeling that she is doing something worthwhile and making contributions,” they shared. “She is not just sitting in front of a computer; she is working and doing things that have meaning.”

They hope others who hear Allison’s story understand the impact Community Living can have. “Community Living is an organization that is so worthwhile, and they have welcomed Allison with open arms.”

Community Living’s Legacy Ball supports families like Allison’s, helping ensure people with disabilities have access to services and opportunities so they can live their best lives. Proceeds from the event help make these opportunities possible.

Join us on Saturday, February 14. Purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or buy an ad today.