LAKELAND SCHOOL opened the doors to its new, state-of-the-art facility in September of 2008, and quickly became the gold standard for special needs schools.  Lakeland School serves the special education needs for the 15 school districts of Walworth County.  Over 2,400 students throughout the county have some type of special education need, with about 240 students, ages 3 to 21, attending Lakeland on a full-time basis.

How does Lakeland use their L.E.O. Funds?

INSPIRATION MINISTRIES is a vibrant, Christian-based residential community and respite care provider for adults with ability challenges. For more than 60 years ago, IM has focused on meeting the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of adults with disabilities. The sprawling IM campus provides three levels of care for 85 residents, a work center and a resale shop. The completely accessible restreat center/camp provides respite care to more than 600 people with disabilities and their families each year.

How does IM use their L.E.O. Funds?

SMILES improves the lives of children and adults with all types of special needs through a partnership with horses.  Horses are a powerful motivator and capable of bringing about monumental changes in confidence, self-esteem, responsibility building, language development and physical function. Together with certified instructors, trained volunteers & gentle horses, SMILES provides a stimulating atmosphere that motivates individuals to enthusiastically participate in activities that build strong bodies and characters. The horse provides the motivation needed to gain full potential from each session, whether the focus is learning, exercise, therapy, building emotional strength or any other potential goal.

How does SMILES use their L.E.O. Funds?

VIP SERVICES Over its 41 year history of working with adults with disabilities, VIP Services has developed a broad continuum of life and work skills training programs.  A majority of the 390 clients served by the agency are individuals with cognitive disabilities including autism, Down Syndrome, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy and many other conditions.  Some clients have multiple conditions including physical disabilities and/or mental health issues.  Agency services include employment training programs to help clients reach their vocational aspirations, day programs for those needing to acquire life and/or social skills, daily living skills training to promote higher levels of independence, transportation for work and specialized medical needs and limited after work hours recreational services.  VIP Services is currently partnering with Lakeland School and other area schools to assist with transitioning special needs students from the school environment to an appropriate community work setting.

How does VIP use their L.E.O. Funds?