Tag: Disabilities

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

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

“Who Were Those Wise Men?”

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date December 16, 2024
No Comments on “Who Were Those Wise Men?”

Here at Mays Mission, we love to receive Christmas cards from our friends. We tape them up on the walls for decoration so everyone can enjoy them. Many of the Christmas cards will have the manger scene which almost always includes the star above the manger. Some will have the three wise men, or Magi, or kings, bringing their gifts to baby Jesus. But just who are those three guys? We did a little research just so we can tell you what we learned about them.

The Bible tells about these “Magi” in Matthew. Here’s what we know for certain:

They were astrologers.

They came from the east.

They recognized the new star as fulfillment of ancient prophecy proclaiming that the long-awaited Messiah had finally come to earth.
They traveled thousands of miles to bring gifts to the new-born Messiah and to worship him.

That’s about it! Tradition and history can add some possibilities of great interest concerning these Magi. The Magi were a religious caste and one of the six tribes of Media (an ancient kingdom located in what is now northern Iran). Our modern day word magician comes from the magi because they were known for practicing magic. They also interpreted omens and dreams and offered astrological sacrifices. Before Jesus, they worshiped only the elements, fire, air, earth and water, especially fire.

We don’t really know how many of them there were. Scholars based the “three” on their three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh they brought with them to give to baby Jesus. These men were truly wise men because they went looking for God. They didn’t expect God to come looking for them. They recognized baby Jesus as the Messiah for the entire world—not just for the Jews. They took gifts to the Messiah—they didn’t expect God to give them gifts.

Those who are wise still seek and worship Jesus today, not for what they can get—but for who He is.

The family of Mays Mission wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas. If you would like to help us advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities in your area call us or email us at info@maysmission.org and we can send you free brochures to pass out in your community. These brochures were produced by individuals with disabilities here at Mays Mission.

Tags Disabilities, mays mission, Merry Christmas, programs, volunteerism

Programs

The Greatest Gift

It’s that time of year again – the Christmas season. The brightly colored autumn leaves have fallen to the ground, announcing a time of rest and relaxation for many living things. We’ve stuffed ourselves with juicy Thanksgiving turkey and loads of luscious desserts from our bountiful buffets. People are putting up the Christmas decorations and the malls are calling for us to come and shop.

In all the hustle and bustle, let’s not forget the “reason for the season,” the birth of Jesus. He came to us just as foretold by prophets of old (Isaiah 7:14). Without his birth, there would have been no atonement for sin. We would still be sacrificing bulls, lambs and doves – presenting our sins to a high priest once a year. If He hadn’t come we would be unable to enter the most holy place – the throne room of God – are present out prayers and petitions (Hebrews 4:15, 16). He came that we might have abundant life (John 10:10).

As we enter this holiday season, let’s not forget those who might have difficulty getting out and about. Offer a ride to a friend with a disability or someone who may have difficulty navigating a shopping center or mall. Offer to shop for someone who may be unable to get out for whatever reason. A little kindness and friendliness and a show of care and compassion may be just the ticket to make someone’s Christmas time a little more stress-free.

I can think of no better verse – no better gift, than what is the quoted scripture: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

God bless you all! And thank you for supporting people with disabilities!

Tags ability not disability, Christmas with disabilities, Disabilities, disability advocacy, kindness, mays mission, programs, The reason for the season

Programs

Serving

It may seem like a trite statement to say that “we have so much to be thankful for,” as we hear it every year around the Thanksgiving dinner table. Yet, for the vast majority of US citizens, this statement holds undeniably true. We live in a land birthed in freedom from tyranny that continues on to this day.

Some friends of mine have a tradition of going to a “food kitchen” on Thanksgiving Day to assist in serving the homeless and those who just can’t afford a hot meal. They tell me of how humbling it is to see these folks wander in off the streets for a hot meal. It makes them feel so blessed to have a roof over their head and food on the table. In doing the kind deed of helping others, just as Christ told us to do, they come away from the food kitchen feeling abundantly blessed for being obedient to the call of serving.

In hearing this, let’s consider doing likewise. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a food kitchen. There are a myriad of ways to serve your fellow man in this day or any other day to give thanks for the bounty with which God has blessed you. Invite someone over for a meal. Offer to take them shopping or to get to an appointment. Run some errands for them. Invite them to church. Often just a smile or a handshake will brighten someone’s day!

There are countless ways to “love your neighbor.” Think about what you could do, then put those thoughts into action.

If you would like information on disabilities, please call 888-503-7955, write, or email info@maysmission.org. We have a variety of brochures that we offer at no charge.

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Tags ability not disability, being thankful, Disabilities, mays mission, programs, thanksgiving, volunteer, volunteerism

Programs

Change and Attitude

We are all brought into this world with our own unique set of circumstances. Some are born into wealth and prosperity while some are born into poverty; some short and some tall; some with a natural ability to excel in certain areas while others struggle to make the grade. Whatever the situation might be, no two individuals are alike.

As we meander through life’s intriguing journey, there usually comes a time when we all decide we are ready for a change. Whatever it might be, more likely than not, the change will not be instantaneous or easy.

Change usually takes time and most definitely a conscious effort. Whether it’s habits, lifestyle; physical, mental or spiritual the decision to change will require a different way of thinking and a lot of patience.

With the disabled, changes never seem to come fast enough. Often the change we are looking for is a cure or miracle drug or procedure that will propel us into mainstream of life. Like everyone else, patience is the key.

Unfortunately, change doesn’t always come. Sometimes we just have to live with the hand that’s been dealt us. We can sit and mope and wallow in self-pity or we can make that conscious decision to make the best of what we have. Anyone can do nothing-physically fit or disabled. It takes a sound mind and a lot of heart to say, “No matter what my circumstances are, I am going to make the best of what God has given me and trust that he will see me through.”

Change isn’t always easy and sometimes impossible but we always have a choice in attitude. Attitude toward change and life’s circumstances makes all the difference in the world! Now how’s your attitude?

If you would like free brochures to pass out in your community and help raise awareness on behalf of individuals with disabilities, call us or email us at info@maysmission.org and we would be glad to send some to you.

Tags ability not disability, Change and attitude, Disabilities, employ the disabled, Inspirational, interacting with the disabled, mays mission, on the job training, programs

Programs

Make Your Fourth of July Safe!

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date July 4, 2024
No Comments on Make Your Fourth of July Safe!

According to Prevent Blindness America, nearly 13,000 firework victims keep hospitals busy every ear. More than half of those injured are children. Fireworks not only injure users, data from the U.S. Eye Injury Registry shows that bystanders are more often injured by fireworks than operators.

The three types of fireworks that keep hospital emergency rooms busy during this holiday period are bottle rockets, firecrackers, and sparklers. Bottle rockets and firecrackers can fly in any direction prior to exploding and sparklers burn at temperatures hot enough to melt gold.

One of the reasons firework injuries continue to occur is because people just don’t consider how dangerous these devices can be. People often don’t realize – until they are injured – that the risk of blindness or injury outweighs the excitement of taking risks with fireworks. And giving fireworks to young children can mean a trip to the hospital emergency room.

Have a super 4th of July and make sure your Independence Day celebration is a safe one!

Tags ability not disability, advocacy, blindness, Disabilities, Firework safety, fourth of July, inclusion, mays mission

Programs

Vacation Time

Everyone needs a break from the hustle and bustle of his or her everyday routine. Whether you are working a 40-hour a week job, being a house-mom, volunteering or even retired, we all like to get out and get away from our usual environment and take a vacation. Trips to the big city, camping, theme parks and national and state parks are just a few of the multitude of possibilities for a family vacation.

For people with disabilities, just a smidgen of planning ahead can prevent heartbreak, disappointment and potentially risky situations. Most attractions, such as theme and national parks have made their sites accessible to the disabled thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Yet, due to a variety of issues and unforeseen circumstances, what is available to the able-bodied individual may vary somewhat from what is available to the disabled traveler.

When making hotel/motel reservations, always ask the manager of the facility to describe “handicapped” rooms. What works for the “average” traveler may not work for you. In my travels across the nation, it’s not uncommon to reserve a room only to find out that my wheelchair cannot get through the bathroom door. There’s no such thing as “over planning.”

If flying, try to take very necessary items with you in your carry-on luggage. Especially remember your essential medications. If your regular luggage should happen to get lost or end up on another flight, you will probably be a little more at ease.

For more information on vacationing with disabilities, call 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org for our brochure, “The Disabled Traveler.” Have fun and be safe!

Encourage businesses in you area to hire individuals with disabilities! Call us for brochures to pass out to employers in your community and help us spread the word!

Tags ability not disability, accessibility, Disabilities, disability advocacy, inclusion, mays mission, programs, the disabled traveler, vacation with disabilities

Programs

Good Neighbors

The sweltering heat of summer is upon us. Record-breaking temperatures have already hit the northeast. We, here in the south, are always anticipating the “dog-days” of summer-but few can honestly say they enjoy the heat indices commonly above 105.

A healthy able-bodied person may go to the lake for a swim or take a cool dip in a pool. So refreshing and what a relief! Yet, for many with disabilities these options are not available. Therefore, one must take precautions not to get overheated in this volatile time of the year. It is common for people with spinal cord injuries not to have the ability to perspire, which is the body’s natural cooling system. Also, as some people age their skin loses elastins (elasticity) thus keeping the skin taut. This, in turn, causes the body not to perspire as it should. Over-heating leads to heat-stroke and heat-stroke may lead to death.

As friends and neighbors, make it a point to call or visit a friend with a disability or the elderly especially if they are without air conditioning or live alone. Maybe you could invite them over for a cool sip of lemonade. Sound silly? Please do not feel that way. This not only shows your caring and concern, you may save a life. Do your part to help us all make it through the dog-days of summer!

Think about it!

Call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org for informational brochures like “Heat Wave – Heat Protection Safety” to show how you can help. These brochures were printed by individuals with disabilities and we provide them to the public free of charge. Thank you and God bless your kind heart!

Tags ability not disability, Disabilities, health, heat protection safety, interacting with the disabled, mays mission, programs, summer

Programs

To Tell Or Not To Tell

Are you disabled and unemployed? Do you have the feeling that if you tell a potential employer about your disability you won’t be hired? Great news! Since the inception of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, there has been a lot of progress for the disabled.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the “ADA”), an employer may ask disability-related questions and require medical examinations on an applicant only after the applicant has been given a conditional job offer. However, employers can ask if you can meet the job requirements before being hired.

Another benefit that has occurred since ADA inception is Jobs Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN is a free consulting service for employers, disabled employees and rehabilitation services. JAN provides free customized worksite accommodation solutions and technical assistance. It works in conjunction with the ADA and other disability-related laws and legislation. It also provides job searching and a links to employers who are committed to hiring people with disabilities.

Last but not least, Mays Mission has made progress helping the disabled. From on the job training for the disabled to scholarships to help disabled adults get a college degree. Camperships are important to because the children and adults with disabilities experience recreational opportunities while being around others with similar disabilities. This is why your support is so important to Mays Mission for the Handicapped and we sincerely thank you for your involvement in keeping the dream of Ewing W. Mays for a Mission to assist the disabled thriving. He saw the ability in one’s disability. His dream has given Mays Mission employees a chance to live productive lives.

For more information on the Americans with Disability Act, contact us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org. For more information on JAN, go to askjan.org online or call 1-800-526-7234 (1-877-781-9403 – TTY) – where you will get live professional assistance.

Please share your experiences in the comments section and thank you for supporting individuals with disabilities! And if you would like to share with your community we have brochures like “On-The-Job Training Employees With Disabilities” and “The Americans With Disabilities Act” just email us at info@maysmission.org and we would be glad to send you some free copies of these brochures that were produced by employees with disabilities right here at Mays Mission.

You can help individuals with disabilities by encouraging businesses in your area to employ people with disabilities.

Tags ability not disability, Disabilities, employ the disabled, mays mission, on the job training, the americans with disabilities act

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