“Stirring the Soul with Stories of Inclusion” 2016 TASH Regional Conference Faith & Flourishing: Embracing Inclusion for People with Disabilities, Their Families, and Congregations “Stirring the Soul with Stories of Inclusion” Presented by: Gail Fanjoy, CEO KFI Millinocket, ME

KFI…providing customized supports for people to Live in their own homes Work in regular community businesses Be members and contributors of their communities

People with Disabilities and Faith Communities… Share gifts Increase diversity Enjoy feelings of belonging Provide value Find natural supports Strengthen communities

Factors in Choosing a Church A Welcoming Church Tradition Friends Liturgy Recruitment Connections Music

Music Lesson from Charles: Not all churches appreciate all musical instruments. Lesson from Kathy: Even in a small Maine town, one can find a church that “rocks out”.

“Remember only this one thing, said Badger “Remember only this one thing, said Badger. ‘The stories people tell have a way of taking care of them…Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive. That is why we put these stories in each other’s memory. This is how people care for themselves.’”

Gail Fanjoy CEO KFI 1024 Central Street, Suite A Millinocket, Maine 04462 (207) 723-9466 gfanjoy@kfimaine.org kfimaine.org