Category: Programs

Carrying on a Tradition of Compassion: Nursing Home Visits with Mays Mission

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date June 6, 2025
No Comments on Carrying on a Tradition of Compassion: Nursing Home Visits with Mays Mission

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, one of our most cherished traditions is visiting residents at Veterans Homes and nursing facilities—a mission that began many years ago with our founder, Ewing Mays.

Ewing Mays, a double amputee and World War II veteran, lost both legs during a mortar explosion in Sicily. But he never lost his spirit. Throughout his life, Ewing remained committed to uplifting others, especially wounded soldiers and disabled veterans. He believed deeply in the power of human connection, compassion, and hope. His visits to veterans hospitals and nursing homes were more than just acts of kindness—they were powerful reminders that no one is forgotten.

Today, we are proud to continue that tradition.

This year, Mays Mission has sent out countless ‘Gift Paks’—hand-assembled by our employees with disabilities—to volunteers across the country to distribute to nursing home and veterans home residents. Each Gift Pak includes thoughtful items like stationery and writing supplies, created with care by individuals in our on-the-job training program. These small tokens of kindness often spark big smiles and meaningful conversations.

Closer to home, our team members, Vince and David, have made it a regular practice to visit veterans at a local nursing home every few weeks. These visits are filled with laughter, shared stories, and a genuine bond formed over topics like fishing and baseball. For David, who is also part of our job training program, these visits are especially fulfilling. “It just makes me feel good,” he says. “You can tell they appreciate it, and I always leave feeling better myself.”

We believe that everyone has the power to brighten someone’s day. Even a short visit or a friendly conversation can make a lasting difference to someone who may be feeling lonely or forgotten.

We encourage you—yes, you—to consider reaching out in your own community. If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering, we’d be happy to send you a free copy of our brochure, The Spirit of Giving. And if you’d like to join us in distributing ‘Gift Paks’ to residents in your area, we’d love to hear from you.

You can reach us at info@maysmission.org or give us a call. Together, we can continue this beautiful tradition of compassion, connection, and care—just as Ewing Mays intended.

Thank you for your support, and for helping us share hope, one visit at a time.

Visiting nursing homes will bring smiles to the faces of some lonely people.

Tags faith in action, gift paks, mays mission, nursing home visits, Spirit Of Giving, veterans home visits, volunteer, volunteerism

Programs

Empowering Futures: The Importance of Scholarships for Students with Disabilities at Mays Mission for the Handicapped

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date May 13, 2025
No Comments on Empowering Futures: The Importance of Scholarships for Students with Disabilities at Mays Mission for the Handicapped

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, we believe that education is a powerful tool that can transform lives. For students with disabilities, access to quality education can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed. That’s why our scholarship program is not just a financial aid initiative; it’s a commitment to empowering these students to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.

Breaking Down Barriers

Education can often present unique challenges for students with disabilities. From navigating physical accessibility to overcoming societal misconceptions, these students face hurdles that can hinder their academic journey. Our scholarships are designed to break down these barriers, providing financial support that helps cover tuition, educational materials, and other essential resources. By alleviating some of the financial burdens, we enable students to focus on their studies and personal growth.

Fostering Independence and Confidence

Receiving a scholarship is more than just financial assistance; it’s a vote of confidence in the abilities of these students. Our scholarship program fosters independence by encouraging students to pursue a higher education that aligns with their interests and goals. This sense of empowerment can significantly boost their self-esteem, motivating them to strive for success in their academic and professional endeavors.

Creating Future Leaders

Investing in the education of students with disabilities is an investment in the future. Many scholarship recipients go on to become leaders, advocates, and change-makers in their communities. By providing them with the resources they need to succeed academically, we are helping to cultivate a generation that will challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and drive positive change for individuals with disabilities.

Let Them Shine!

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, our scholarship program is a vital part of our commitment to empowering students with disabilities. We recognize the importance of education in shaping futures and are proud to support these remarkable individuals on their journey. As we continue to provide scholarships, we invite our community to join us in this mission—whether through donations, advocacy, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can help ensure that every student with a disability has the opportunity to shine and make their mark on the world.

Learn to accept a person and their disability as one, not two things.

Tags ability not disability, let them shine, programs, scholarships for students with disabilities

Programs

Mays Mission for the Handicapped’s New Donor Management Software

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date May 7, 2025
No Comments on Mays Mission for the Handicapped’s New Donor Management Software

In the ever-evolving landscape of nonprofit organizations, adaptability is key to continuing our mission of supporting individuals with disabilities. At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, we have always strived to enhance our operational efficiency and improve the donor experience. Recently, we faced a significant transition: after 25 years, we had to switch our donor management software due to its cancellation. While change can be daunting, we are excited about the opportunities this new chapter brings.

The decision to move away from our long-standing software was not made lightly. For over two decades, it served us well, helping us connect with our donors and manage contributions effectively. However, as technology advances, we recognize the importance of staying current to better serve our community. Our new donor management software offers a fresh, user-friendly interface and improved functionality that aligns with our mission.

This new software came with a new online donation form as well. It’s a little different than the old form but this streamlined tool simplifies the donation process for our supporters, making it easier than ever to contribute to our cause. With just a few clicks, donors can now make their contributions online, ensuring a seamless experience that encourages generosity.

You can find the new donation form here:

Donation Form

Enhancing Donor Engagement

The new software not only enhances the donation process but also strengthens our relationship with our donors. With improved tracking and reporting capabilities, we can better understand our supporters’ preferences and tailor our communications accordingly. This means more personalized updates, acknowledgments, and opportunities for engagement, fostering a deeper connection between our mission and those who support it.

Looking Ahead

As we embrace this change, we are filled with optimism for the future. The transition to new donor management software represents more than just an upgrade; it symbolizes our commitment to innovation and our dedication to serving individuals with disabilities more effectively. We believe that with these changes, we can amplify our impact and continue to make strides in our mission.

We invite our supporters to explore our new donation form and experience the enhanced features firsthand. Your contributions are vital to our work, and we are grateful for your continued support as we embark on this exciting journey.

A word to our donors:

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, we understand that change can bring challenges, but it also opens doors to new possibilities. We are thrilled about the advancements our new donor management software brings and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our organization and the individuals we serve. Thank you for being a part of our mission and for supporting us as we navigate this exciting transition.

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, we are profoundly grateful for our donors, whose unwavering support and advocacy have been instrumental in our mission to empower individuals with disabilities. Many of our dedicated supporters have been with us for over forty years, standing by our side through every challenge and triumph. Their generosity not only fuels our programs but also amplifies the voices of those we serve, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable society. We deeply appreciate each contribution, as it reflects a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those in need, and we cannot thank our donors enough for their enduring partnership.

Tags Disabilities, disability advocacy, Donors, looking ahead, programs

Programs

Always room for improvement

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date April 17, 2025
No Comments on Always room for improvement

Mark Twain once said, “Courage is not the absence of fear. It is acting in the face of fear.”

When it comes to disabilities, especially the newly injured, fear is definitely a factor in the way people behave. It’s not just the fear of the unknown, it’s also the fear of perception – how will and what will others, my friends, my family and people I meet feel about me? Those born with disabilities often grow up knowing that there’s something “different” about them and often adjust very well because it’s all they have ever know. Yet still, there’s a yearning to be like everyone else.

People as a whole cannot take away disabilities, only God can do that. Yet there are things we can do to make people more comfortable with their various situations. Luke 6:31 says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you (NIV).” This is so true. And, if just for a moment we could put ourselves in the position of the disabled, I think we would have a whole new perspective on how we treat them. This is not to say we are doing something bad – just that things could be better.

Think about how you act and talk when around people with disabilities. Do you talk to them like they are a little child – a high pitched voice and looking as though you are coaxing a smile from a baby? Or totally the opposite –you ignore them and speak to people accompanying them?

There’s always room for improvement in everyone. Think about this and practice Luke 6:31. People with disabilities desire and moreover deserve to be treated like everyone else. Doing this will help mainstream them into a community where everyone feels equal.

Common courtesy, common sense, and respect; three things we all have a right to.

Tags disability advocate, disability rights, interacting with people who have disabilities, Luke 6:31

Programs

April is National Volunteer Month

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date April 11, 2025
No Comments on April is National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month and the week of April 20th-26th 2025 has been set aside as National Volunteer Week. This year, as in all previous years, we have the opportunity to recognize those within our communities who freely give their time in unpaid work.

National Volunteer Week was established by Presidential Proclamation in 1974 as a way of honoring these amazing volunteers and thanking them for donating their time to charitable causes and to bring attention to services that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

The spirit of volunteerism is alive and well in the U.S. In 2018 the U.S. Department of Labor reports that over 77.3 million people volunteered through an organization at least once. And there are undoubtedly millions more who did volunteer works without doing so through a formal organization.

Mays Mission for the Handicapped has long recognized the importance of volunteers. Since 1997 we have supported a Faith in Action Caregivers Alliance in which we call upon volunteers within our community to provide caregiving and other services to the frail elderly and disabled. This program could not have succeeded without volunteers.

Mays Mission employees have also volunteered to help other organizations thereby helping to foster and support the spirit of volunteerism within our local community.

This April would be a great time to volunteer in your community. Your time is a gift! If you need some ideas on how to help, on Monday Mays Mission employees visited with veterans at a nursing home passing out some of our ‘gift paks’ containing stationary and the residents loved it. We can also provide you with free brochures full of ideas and information like ‘The Spirit of Volunteerism’ and ‘Faith In Action Caregivers Alliance’ at no cost to you. These brochures were produced by employees with disabilities here at Mays Mission who would love for you to have them. Just call us or email us at info@maysmission.org and let us know. Thank you!

Tags april is national volunteer month, disability advocacy, faith in action, interacting with the disabled, mays mission, volunteer, volunterrism

Programs

Driving With A Disability

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date March 19, 2025
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( pictured on the left, our founder, E.W. Mays )

Driving is often seen as a symbol of freedom and independence, but for millions of individuals around the world living with disabilities, it can also represent a unique set of challenges and triumphs. Driving with a disability often comes with physical and financial complexities that other drivers don’t face. Here is a great guide someone recently shared with us and we wanted to share with all of our supporters as well:

https://www.gervelislaw.com/driving-with-a-disability

Thanks for checking it out and if you would like more information on helping individuals with disabilities call us or email us at info@maysmission.org today.

Learn to put people first, not their disability!

Programs

A Bible for Alec

Alec, our newest employee at Mays Mission for the Handicapped, is a proud participant in our On-The-Job Training Program for individuals with disabilities. Through this program, which is only made possible through our generous donors, we welcome individuals with disabilities like Alec and teach them skills and help them obtain independence. Alec has told us “I find working here to be calm and relaxing,” Alec says “It’s super therapeutic to me.”

Alec, who has been turned down so many times from other employers, says his life has changed in so many ways since he started working here. He told us he has gained confidence, has been able to earn and save money, and is growing his relationship with the Lord.

As Alec has gotten closer to the Lord he told us he wished he had a Bible. Today we surprised Alec in the middle of his work duties with a brand-new Bible just for him! Alec was filled with joy after receiving this gift.

If you would like more information on our on-the-job training program for individuals with disabilities, or if you would like brochures to pass out to employers in your area on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and giving these individuals the gift of independence, call us toll free at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org today. Thanks for all you do for the disabled and God bless your kind heart.

Programs

Spring

With the spring season upon us we begin to look for signs of new life. Driving through a pristine country setting or even dashing through a city subdivision one spots evidence of the seasonal change. It may be the first daffodil reaching out to grab a ray of sunshine or seeing a frolicking foal bouncing through a fresh green pasture. Whatever the case may be, everyone can see that new life has begun.

Using the above as an analogy, when people with disabilities see changes happening, it is probably time to make an appointment with your doctor. Depending on the disability, change can be a positive or negative thing. This is especially true with diabetes. Changes in skin color, easy bruising or a sore that will not heal is a signal that something may be going awry and need to be checked out by a physician or healthcare professional.

Diabetes is one of those diseases that is very unpredictable and affects seven percent of the US population. Thirty percent are undiagnosed (National Diabetics Information Clearinghouse)! With early detection and proper treatment diabetes may be manageable. Left undetected and untreated, diabetes can be fatal.

Make it a point to have your blood sugar checked yearly. What better time than spring? The sooner diabetes can be diagnosed the sooner treatment can begin and adjustments can be made to our lifestyles to assure a longer and better quality of life.

If you would like more information on how you can help, call us toll free at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org today. Thanks for all you do for the disabled. And please comment in the comments section if you have some helpful, healthy ideas you would like to share. Thanks!

Share your abilities and volunteer at a special needs camp in your area.

Programs

February is “Heart Awareness Month”

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date February 3, 2025
No Comments on February is “Heart Awareness Month”

February is “Heart Awareness Month” and Valentine’s Day brings to mind a time to show our love to those we care about. In addition, February has become associated with the Random Acts of Kindness program. Random acts of kindness are especially appreciated by caregivers, the elderly and those in hospitals and nursing homes.

Here are some suggestions to make this a special time of year. Most can be adapted to individuals as well as the various care facilities in your community:

Volunteer to read out loud to individuals or care facility groups.

Drop in for a chat and bring a treat such as a ready-to-heat casserole.

Arrange for a two-hour housecleaning session.

Volunteer to take an elderly neighbor out to run errands.

Send scenic postcards to patients in a local care facility that don’t have any relatives.

If you have musical talents, volunteer to lead a sing-along session at a local care facility.

Enjoy baking? Drop off a plate of cookies or some cupcakes.

Enjoy gardening? Help a neighbor plant or weed their garden.

For more great ideas on volunteering call us or email us at info@maysmission.org for free copies of our brochures ‘Faith In Action Care Givers Alliance’ or ‘The Spirit of Volunteerism’ today. These brochures were produced by employees with disabilities here at Mays Mission for the Handicapped.

Tags Caregivers, Disabilities, disability advocacy, faith in action, Heart Awareness Month, mays mission, volunteerism

Programs

A new year

We are now a few weeks into this new year. Right now some good questions to ask might be “What did we accomplish last year? Are we better off in any way than we were 365 days ago? What can we do in this new year we have embarked upon to improve our lives and the way we live?” Better yet, what can we do to improve the lives of others, especially those with disabilities?

The dictionary describes an “advocate” as one who publicly supports or suggests an idea, development or way of doing something.

Here at Mays Mission, our primary goal is to aid and assist people with disabilities. Yes, putting to work those who may have difficulty finding gainful employment is one facet of our purpose yet there is so much more.

Public education regarding the abilities and capabilities of people with disabilities is of utmost importance. You see, through our various programs and direct mail, we have the opportunity to inform and educate the public throughout the country that given the opportunity, people with disabilities can become productive citizens.

We have seen scores of people with a variety of disabilities come and go here at Mays Mission while others have chosen to stay with us. It’s heartwarming to know that some have bought their own homes, learned to drive and purchased automobiles, while some have moved on to bigger and better opportunities. Seeing people succeed and become more independent where at one time hope seemed lost is an indescribable feeling.

We’ve set out goal; to aid and assist people with disabilities. Won’t you please join us? Email us at info@maysmission.org to learn more about our programs and see how you can be an advocate for people with disabilities this year. And your comments are always welcome in the comment section. Thanks!

Tags ability not disability, advocacy, disability advocacy, employ the disabled, mays mission, new year, on the job training

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