A Little Help Means So Much

Kelsey Ring was born in 1992 with intellectual disabilities and has always needed a lot of extra care and assistance from her parents. Since Kelsey’s mother passed away, her father Dave Ring has led the life of a special needs single parent. His daily routine consists of waking up early to bathe, dress and feed his daughter, all before he gets himself ready and off to work. The day-to-day care of Kelsey is demanding, both physically and mentally.

The value of accessibility

Dave Ring has a renewed sense of hope, though, because of a wonderful respite care program at Eden Wood Center near his home in Minnesota, USA, where Kelsey spends one weekend a month. Through support from LCIF and local Lions, Eden Wood Center is able to host up to 30 special-needs participants for overnight weekend stays and serves up to 900 campers annually. LCIF funded renovation at the camp, which included making the dormitory accessible for the disabled. “Before the dormitory was remodeled with the help of LCIF, it was difficult to provide enough year-round housing and programs for people with disabilities,” Ring said. “Now I need not have concern about having room for Kelsey in their program on weekends and at camp.”

A weekend makes a world of difference

The camp offers a crucial service for those with special needs and their families: caregivers receive a break from the stress and regiments of caring for someone with disabilities, and those with special needs have a fun-filled weekend away from home. Campers are able to participate in engaging activities like high-ropes courses, nature walks and arts and crafts.

Ring is full of gratitude for the gifts that Eden Wood Center has brought his family. “LCIF has changed my life in providing the opportunity for me and Kelsey to have more of a normal life.”