Five years ago this month, The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners set out to start its first non-profit – a recreation and enrichment program for young adults with special needs.
Its associates had no experience or expertise in the field. But, as with everything we do, they knew success or failure would be dictated by the Three Ps – people, plans and processes.
And the success of the resulting program – Colin’s Lodge – speaks for itself. The Lodge, under the leadership of director Gayle Horton, continues to change lives and break records. Located in Bellbrook, Ohio, the Lodge is now home to 75 members who take part in evening and weekend activities like personal training, basketball, yoga, dance classes, rowing, bingo, movie nights, art and technology classes.
The Lodge is run similarly to a Connor Group property. Staff set goals, track metrics and continue to raise the bar.
In March alone, members took part in a record-breaking 2,200 hours and volunteers logged a record-breaking 475 hours of service.
More important than its growth in size and scope, the Lodge continues to have a larger imp act on the lives of its members.
“When I look back over the years that our daughter has been a member of Colin’s Lodge, I’m surprised by how much she’s grown,” said Patty Roll, whose daughter Tessa is a member. “Her physical fitness, self-esteem, confidence and willingness to participate and try new things have all grown.
“I hadn’t realized how much she was missing out on until the Lodge made her life more fulfilling.”
In addition to Gayle, the Lodge staff consists of member engagement specialist Makhaila Dudley and program coordinator Julie Takahashi.
“As we always say, people lead growth, not the other way around,” said partner and Kids & Community director Ryan Ernst. “Because these folks have done such a great job, we’re planning to open more Lodges in more markets.”
To learn more about The Lodge, watch the video below or go to ColinsLodge.org.