Tag: disability advocacy

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Christmas at Mays Mission: The Gift That Changes Lives

Mays Mission Employee with disability with Christmas cards in the background, Christmas nativity on display

Christmas is a season filled with lights, music, and moments of joy—but at its heart, Christmas is about giving.

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, giving looks a little different. It’s not about what’s wrapped under a tree. It’s about showing up. It’s about compassion in action. It’s about making sure individuals with disabilities are seen, valued, and supported—not just during the holidays, but every day of the year.

For the people we serve, a simple act of generosity can mean the difference between isolation and belonging. It can mean access to care, adaptive equipment, safe housing, or opportunities that many take for granted. Your generosity helps provide dignity, independence, and hope to individuals and families who face challenges most of us never have to consider.

During Christmas, we’re reminded of the greatest gift ever given—one rooted in love, sacrifice, and service to others. That same spirit drives our mission. When you give to Mays Mission, you’re helping us continue programs that empower individuals with disabilities to live fuller, more joyful lives. You’re becoming part of a community that believes everyone deserves to be treated with respect and compassion.

Giving also creates a ripple effect. One act of kindness spreads to families, caregivers, and entire communities. It turns generosity into lasting impact—long after the decorations come down and the season ends.

This Christmas, we invite you to reflect on what giving truly means. Whether through a donation, volunteering, sharing our mission, or keeping our community in your prayers, your support matters more than you know.

From all of us at Mays Mission for the Handicapped, thank you for being part of our story. Your generosity is a gift that changes lives.

Merry Christmas and blessings to you and your loved ones.

Mays Mission employee with disabilities working with festive holiday decorations on display

Visiting nursing homes will bring smiles to the faces of some lonely people.  You can bring home baked cookies, sing Christmas carols, or even read the Christmas Story to them. Just check with the activities director first.

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Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Over 50 Years of Opportunity and Inclusion

Employees with disabilities working at Mays Mission

Each October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and to promote inclusive employment practices across all industries.

This year’s observance reminds us that inclusion works — not only for individuals with disabilities but for communities and businesses everywhere. When people of all abilities have access to meaningful work, everyone benefits. Diverse workplaces foster creativity, problem-solving, and compassion — values that strengthen both organizations and society as a whole.

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, we have been putting these principles into action for over fifty years. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, Mays Mission provides on-the-job training and employment for individuals with disabilities. Through these programs, participants gain valuable skills, experience, and confidence that help open doors to greater independence and success.

Hiring individuals with disabilities isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a smart investment in talent, dedication, and perspective. People with disabilities bring unique strengths and experiences to the workplace, helping employers create environments that are more innovative and inclusive for all.

As we celebrate NDEAM, we encourage employers, community leaders, and individuals alike to recognize the value of a diverse workforce — and to take steps toward ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute.

At Mays Mission, we’re proud to continue our work in building opportunities and changing lives. Together, we can make inclusion not just a goal, but a reality.

To learn more about our mission, programs, and how you can get involved, call us toll free: 888-503-7955, or locally at 501-362-7526, or email us at info@maysmission.org today. Thank you for your support!

Hire the disabled and let them into the workforce.

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Tips for Driving as an Amputee

Pictured is our founder E.W. Mays next to his car

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

Tips for Driving as an Amputee


This article is republished from a third-party source for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and we disclaim any liability arising from its use. Readers should consult a qualified attorney for personalized guidance.

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!

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Community Outreach: Building Opportunities, Changing Lives

Pics of individuals with disabilities helped by mays mission

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, community outreach isn’t just a program—it’s our purpose. From the beginning, our founder envisioned a place where people with disabilities in rural Arkansas could gain not just a paycheck, but skills, stability, and independence. What better way to uplift someone than to teach them a job—and then employ them to do that job?

For over 50 years, on-the-job training has been at the heart of our mission. We’ve had the privilege of training many individuals with disabilities—some of whom have gone on to excel with other companies, and others who have chosen to make Mays Mission their long-term home. Today, our employees work in every department, producing brochures, calendars, booklets, and gift paks that help power our outreach efforts.

Our community outreach extends far beyond our walls:

  • Scholarships – We award scholarships to deserving students with disabilities, helping them gain the education they need to compete and thrive in the workplace.
  • Camperships – We make it possible for children and adults with disabilities to enjoy summer camp programs filled with new friendships, experiences, and adventures.
  • Veterans and Nursing Homes – Our team visits veterans’ hospitals and nursing homes, bringing comfort and the assurance that those confined by age, illness, or injury are not forgotten.
  • Public Education – We send countless brochures across the country each month, covering topics such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and on-the-job training. Many of our loyal supporters share these materials in their own communities, helping spread the message about the importance of hiring people with disabilities.

We’re proud to have been recognized by the Arkansas Governor’s Commission on People with Disabilities as a past recipient of the Small Business Employer of the Year award—but we know that none of this would be possible without our generous donors.

Together, we are building opportunities, changing lives, and creating a more inclusive community for all.

For more information—or to learn how you can help—call us at 888-503-7955 or email info@maysmission.org.

Learn what types of language use are inappropriate when communicating with disabled individuals.

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Mays Mission for the Handicapped’s New Donor Management Software

photos of our founder EW Mays, Mays Mission employees with disabilites, campers from our summer camp program and a student from our scholarship program

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.

Photos of Mays Mission Employees with disabilities in our job training program and campers in our summer camp program
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April is National Volunteer Month

A photo featuring Mays Mission employees at the special Olympics and a phot from one of our Veterans Home Tours

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!

A photo from one of our Veteran's Home tours visiting with veterans with disabilities
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February is “Heart Awareness Month”

An active older woman making a heart gesture

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.

a photo of a camper from our summer camp program and photos of smiling Mays Mission employees from our job training program
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A new year

A Mays Mission employee from our job training program

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!

photos of former Mays Mission employees from our job training program, one of them engaged in wheelchair tennis
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The Greatest Gift

A Mays Mission employee with Christmas cards and an 'employer of the year' award in the background. A painting of Baby Jesus in the Manger

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!

A Mays Mission employee from our job training program with a Christmas decoration at the workstation.
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OCTOBER Is National Disability Employee Awareness Month

A photo of Mays Mission employees in our job training program working in our lettershope

It is a time to recognize the contributions of Americans with disabilities and to encourage all citizens to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce. It is a time to recognize that people with disabilities have equal or higher job retention, lower absenteeism, and that their job performance is equal to their non-disabled counterparts. It is a time to urge employers to hire persons with disabilities. How can you do this? Call at 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org and we will be happy to send you free brochures like on “On-the-Job Training”, which you can share with employers in your area. These brochures were printed by employees with disabilities here at Mays Mission and they would appreciate your advocacy.

Mays Mission employees in our job training program achieving independence