Dreams with Wings provides services for intellectually and developmentally disabled community, including autism across Louisville. Our services and programs include housing, therapies, summer programs and more. About 83% of our funding comes from Medicaid, with the rest stemming from donations, grants and fundraisers. ​ “A rate cut means not only do we have to cut what we’re doing currently, it means what the future looks for us. Will we continue to provide all these services? Will we downsize those?” Executive Director Jennifer Frommeyer wondered. “You know, I have to believe people knew these cuts were coming way before we got our notice a few weeks ago. So we have a short bandwidth to try to figure out what are we going to do in the next three weeks.” ​ Check out the recent story aired on WAVE 3: https://www.wave3.com/2026/06/27/families-providers-fear-impacts-impending-medicaid-cuts/

At Dreams With Wings, our Residential Services are about more than providing a home, they’re about creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges and autism to live fulfilling lives filled with connection, independence, joy, and meaningful experiences. Through our residential homes and Family Home Provider program, individuals are supported in becoming part of a family, engaging in their community, and building lifelong memories. Recently, Fred and Sarah enjoyed an unforgettable family vacation with their Family Home Provider aboard the Carnival Celebration, cruising to the Bahamas, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, and Celebration Key! From enjoying endless ice cream and double cheeseburgers to making new friends, dancing on the water shuttle, shopping onboard, playing bingo, attending shows, and even meeting dolphins at Blue Lagoon. The trip was filled with fun, freedom, and connection. Fred especially loved relaxing on the deck and chatting with new friends, while Sarah shared how much she enjoyed the independence to explore, and shop. One of her favorite moments? “Being free to be myself was the absolute best.” For their FHP, Lynnese, the experience was just as meaningful: “it’s important to support Fred and Sarah in having the most fulfilling life possible while also making sure they feel included and part of the family. Seeing their joy throughout this trip made it incredibly rewarding.” These are the moments your support helps make possible for Sarah and Fred. 💜

This spring, Dreams With Wings participated in Cooking Matters, a six-week hands-on cooking program offered through Dare to Care Food Bank. This opportunity gave our clients a new way to build independence, confidence, and healthy living skills of their own. Cooking Matters is designed to make cooking feel approachable and fun, especially for individuals who may feel nervous or unsure in the kitchen. Each weekly class focuses on practical skills like kitchen safety, following recipes, measuring ingredients, using kitchen tools, and preparing easy, healthy meals at home. But more than that, the program creates a supportive environment where participants learn by doing, encourage one another, and discover new confidence in themselves. This experience reflects one of Dreams With Wings’ core values: Healthy Lifestyles — the belief that promoting a healthy lifestyle in all areas, physical, mental, and spiritual, is essential. Through Cooking Matters, participants are not only learning how to prepare nutritious meals, but also building confidence, independence, social connection, and a sense of accomplishment that supports overall well-being. Every class has brought laughter, creativity, and moments of pride as participants tried new foods and learned new techniques. One participant, Curtis, especially lit up during the classes. Curtis can be a bit of an introvert, but once he gets involved, his joyful personality shines. During a recent class, he was smiling throughout the session and proudly shared tips he had learned about mushrooms. He even mentioned that next time he goes grocery shopping, he plans to buy fresh mushrooms himself. The excitement didn’t stop there. Using ingredients he received from class, Curtis later made a homemade pizza with Ronie, and it looked delicious! Stories like Curtis’s remind us why programs like Cooking Matters are so meaningful. We love seeing our clients gain skills that help them feel capable, independent, and confident in their daily lives. Sometimes the biggest victories begin with something as simple as trying a new recipe, learning a kitchen skill, or realizing, “I can do this.” At Dreams With Wings, we believe every person deserves opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive, and sometimes that growth starts right in the kitchen. Watch our short video about all the ways we embody Healthy Lifestyles: https://youtu.be/-5YiGqiBR4g?si=55L4Xyw2GcJ4TdXM

“If we can take care of something like furniture, that allows more funding to go toward what really matters—helping people through their therapies and experiences.” — Chris Adkins As Dreams With Wings continues to grow, so does its need for space—and support. After experiencing continued growth in participation in our Adult Day Program, Dreams With Wings acquired yet another space to house our expanded adult day program, Dreams in Flight. Previously operating out of a shared studio space, the move marked a major step forward. But with that growth came a challenge: furnishing an entirely new environment from the ground up. Tables, desks, shelving, chairs, and technology were all essential to creating a space where participants could learn, connect, and thrive. Dreams in Flight is a program designed for adults ages 18 and older transitioning out of high school or post-graduate programs. Focused on independent living skills, creativity, community engagement, and real-world experiences, the program is built to foster confidence, connection, and opportunity. Good thing the program director, John Day happens to have a really great connection: his buddy, Chris Adkins of Louisville Office Furniture. With a personal connection to the special needs community through his wife, a nurse practitioner at Lee’s Specialty Clinic, Chris understood the need immediately. John reached out saying, “We need stuff.” Chris response? “We have a lot of stuff, we can definitely help you guys out.” “He asked if maybe we could offer a discount,” Chris recalls. “I told him, we’ll just donate.” For Chris, the decision was rooted in both experience and perspective. “Once individuals reach adulthood, the funding and support drop off significantly,” he told us, knowing that DWW is no stranger to the concept. “So if we can step in and help with something like furniture, it frees up resources for what really matters.” Founded in 2006, Louisville Office Furniture has built its reputation on quality, service, and community. As a locally owned business, its mission goes beyond providing furniture—it’s about meeting needs, creating solutions, and giving back wherever possible. From supporting refugee employment and housing initiatives to assisting veteran programs like Honor Flight, the company’s impact extends far beyond its showroom. “It’s not just office furniture,” Chris says. “It could be service, space, or whatever we’re able to provide.” In this case, it’s helping create a space where individuals can build independence, express themselves creatively, and form meaningful connections. Chris and the team at Louisville Office Furniture are just one more example of the true heart of service and community in our great city. We are so thankful for this community partnership, and we’re already seeing our adult Dreamers give back in meaningful ways—continuing the cycle of people helping people.

The Heart of Our Community Volunteers play a vital role in the heart of our community. Some become such a consistent and caring presence that they truly feel like part of the family. Lynn Musselwhite and John Timm are two of those remarkable individuals. Their generosity, kindness, and dedication have enriched the lives of the people we serve and the staff who work alongside them. Our volunteers, Lynn and John, are truly invaluable members of our Group A community. Lynn's Wholesome Presence Lynn brings a wholesome, caring, and grounded presence to our program. She is patient, intuitive, and always willing to step in wherever she is needed. Her introduction of Tai Chi and yoga twice a week has been a wonderful addition for the clients. Lynn consistently brings laughter, grace, and positivity into the room. She loves the clients as if they were her own. Lynn helps simply because she genuinely wants to be here. She is a tremendous asset to our program and an important piece of the proactive and thriving little village we have built within Group A. John's Generous Spirit John is equally cherished by both staff and clients. He goes above and beyond by contributing his own resources to improve our environment. For example, he has helped enhance the sensory area and purchased craft supplies when needed. John frequently joins outings to support the group. He uses the skills he developed during his previous teaching career to help everyone feel welcomed, seen, and valued. John makes a point to socialize with all of the groups throughout the day and is always offering a helping hand. A Lasting Impact Both Lynn and John have become a meaningful part of our community. They show up and give selflessly. The way they interact with the clients is truly beautiful and a great thing to witness. The clients regularly ask about them and clearly feel the care and dedication they bring. We are incredibly grateful to have them as part of our program. Their kindness, generosity, and presence make a lasting impact on everyone here. May they stay with us for years to come! The Importance of Community Involvement Community involvement is essential for creating a supportive environment. Volunteers like Lynn and John help foster connections that empower individuals. Their contributions not only enhance our programs but also inspire others to get involved. Encouraging Others to Volunteer If you feel inspired by the work of Lynn and John, consider volunteering! Your time and skills can make a difference in the lives of others. Whether you can teach a class, assist with outings, or simply lend a listening ear, every effort counts. Building Stronger Connections Volunteering helps build stronger connections within the community. It allows individuals to share their experiences and learn from one another. When we come together, we create a vibrant and supportive environment. The Joy of Giving Back There is immense joy in giving back to the community. Helping others can be incredibly rewarding. It provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. When we support one another, we all thrive! Lynn and John exemplify the spirit of volunteerism. Their dedication and love for the community shine brightly. We are thankful for their contributions and look forward to many more years of working together. Let’s continue to support one another and build a brighter future for all. If you want to learn more about how to get involved, visit Dreams With Wings. Together, we can make a difference!

Bridget Stukenborg serves as the Training Director at Dreams With Wings, a critical role that often works behind the scenes, yet makes so much of our mission possible. Without Bridget’s leadership in training, many of our programs and services simply could not happen. Bridget has been part of the Dreams With Wings family for 12 years. She often jokes that she “came with the Adult Enrichment Center building,” having worked in the building at the time Dreams purchased the property. Her connection to Dreams With Wings, and to our founder, Jenifer Frommeyer, began long before her official role. Through attending church together at St. Francis of Assisi and her daughters participating in the Best Buddies program at Assumption High School, Bridget and her family were already connected to the mission. That connection became deeply personal when her niece was born with Down syndrome. The kindness and support Bridget received from Jenifer during that time left a lasting impression. When the opportunity arose to step into the role of Training Director, Bridget made the life-changing decision to leave the corporate world and join the nonprofit community. Bridget carries a unique balance of humility and pride in her work. She knows the impact she makes, yet remains grounded in what she receives in return. Ask her about her role, and she’ll smile and say, “ They give me more than I give them… true, unconditional love.” Her day-to-day responsibilities are essential to the strength and safety of our organization. She leads New Employee Orientation, instilling our mission and values and how they come to life each day. She provides training in Crisis Prevention, Emergency Preparedness, CPR and First Aid, and other critical health and safety areas. Beyond her formal role, Bridget is always willing to step in wherever needed, whether volunteering at our Dare to Dream fundraising event or helping run the concession stand at the annual Jack O’ Lantern Stroll. Reflecting on her journey, Bridget shares that her path to Dreams With Wings feels divinely guided, that her life and this mission have been woven together over time by God’s hand. For Bridget, this is more than a job. It is a life of purpose, service, and making a meaningful difference.

Finding Your Fit: Supported Employment at Dreams With Wings At Dreams With Wings, finding the right job isn’t just about work—it’s about independence, confidence, and community. Meet Holly Humfleet, Director of Supported Employment, and Harry Fouts ,  Dreams With Wings client and Sam’s Club taste-testing pro, as they share their journeys, the support that helps them shine, and what it really means to find your place—and maybe a few garlic beef bites along the way. by Jessica De La Rosa (Creative Director) On a weekday morning, I make my way to the back of the enormous store and find tucked between the freezer aisles, a seemingly never ending stream of Sam’s Club shoppers are stopping to grab sample tastes off of a tray. Garlic beef bites are disappearing as fast as they can be replaced, and Harry is right where he thrives. He greets customers with ease, answers questions confidently, and offers recommendations with a smile. He tells us that oftentimes shoppers recognize him and stop to say hello. Others linger for the food and leave remembering his name. Harry has been doing this job for nearly six years, and it shows. Harry works for Tastes & Tips, the group that organizes and staffs the free sample stations at the familiar store. His role puts him front and center with members every shift—and he’s become a familiar, trusted face. “These are some of the favorites,” Harry says, glancing down at the tray. “They go fast. People really like them.” Harry was hired in February of 2020—just weeks before the world shut down. When things reopened, he returned in August of 2021 and has been here ever since. Today, he works with remarkable independence. He checks his schedule, arranges his rides, sets up his cart, and adapts to whatever part of the store he’s assigned that day. “I set everything up myself,” he explains casually. “Put the garlic butter in the bottom, heat it up, make sure it’s the right temperature.” “I like that the job changes,” Harry says. “One week I’m in the freezer section, another week I’m in dairy or the middle of the store. You never know.” Supported employment at Dreams With Wings isn’t about filling openings—it’s about connecting people with opportunities where they can succeed, grow, and feel proud. It’s about helping each person find their place and flourish in it. Holly, Director of Supported Employment, often describes it as acting like a personal job guide. “You get to know someone so well that you can say, ‘This would be a great match for you,’ or ‘This isn’t going to set you up for success—and that’s okay.’” Some individuals need limited walking. Others shine in customer-facing roles. Some want consistency, while others—like Harry—enjoy variety and movement. The process starts with discovery, listening, and understanding how someone learns, what they enjoy, and what kind of support helps them do their best. For example, Harry once worked at Walmart. “I didn’t want to leave, but my feet couldn’t handle it,” he recalls. His current position offers the accommodations he needs to succeed—like a stool and supportive mats—so he can work comfortably while still staying active and engaged. The goal? Independence. Support is always just a call away. “Harry, tell me—what do you like about having that relationship with Holly and Jennifer [another member of Harry’s SE team] when they help you with your job? How does that help you?” I ask. Harry smiles. “When things come up, if it’s something I can’t handle or whatever, I call one of them.” I nod. “Yeah, but you were saying, a lot of the time you can handle most of the stuff on your own?” “Right,” Harry replies. “I don’t really need a lot of support most of the time, but sometimes, you know, you do. Everybody does. Well, that’s a really good point. Supported employment helps individuals advocate for themselves, sometimes speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, asking for accommodations, or gaining confidence in their role. Advocacy is always the mission, never making choices for the client. They specialize in helping communicate to their employer their needs, and that is tailored to the individual. Holly and her team don’t place someone and disappear. They keep showing up, checking in, and making sure clients feel supported and  empowered. “We always tell individuals: if you’re not happy, if this doesn’t feel right, you can tell us. We’ll talk through options, pros and cons, and make a plan. It’s not a no—it’s a conversation.” By this point, I’m thinking I could have really used Holly in my early career. As Harry hands out samples, someone familiar walks past his cart. Luckily, Nathan, Harry’s manager, happens to be walking by and Harry introduces us. Thankfully, Nathan was happy to be thrown into a surprise interview. “Harry’s a delight to work with,” Nathan says. “He’s reliable, dependable, and always positive. We rely on him every Tuesday and Friday—and sometimes he even offers to work Saturdays. That positive attitude makes a difference—for coworkers and for customers.” Holly smiles over to Harry and asks, “That’s got to feel good, huh? Hearing your boss talk about you like that?” Pride is beaming in her face. Humble Harry nods with a small smile. Collaborations with people like Nathan at Tastes & Tips are key to making these efforts work. Holly shares that Planet Fitness, Kroger, and TJ MAXX are among other places they’ve found successful working relationships, and we’re always looking for more. But then, I get curious. It’s not uncommon to hear people say, “I don’t want to work,” or “I can’t wait to retire.” So, why is it so important to Harry? “It makes me happier than being in the day program every day,” he says. “I like having something different to do.” His job is part of his routine and pride, and he even encourages others to get involved. “I tell my roommate he should get a job,” Harry says. “It’s good. You get out more. You meet people.” Then he adds, “Some jobs just aren’t the right match. Some jobs you’ve got to be able to handle customers. Supported employment helps people find something that works for them.” Holly certainly found what works for her. She has been at Dreams With Wings for 19 years. It was her first job out of college—and it’s the one she chose to grow with. “I love Dreams,” she says. “I love the clients. I love the staff. We’re a family here.” Her path to this work started years earlier. When Holly was in high school, her mom used to tell her, “I see you working with people with disabilities.” At the time, Holly wasn’t so sure. She went to college for business, but found out quickly economics was not  her fit, and eventually gave her mother’s prediction a shot. She switched to special education (non-teaching) but still didn’t have a clear picture of what was next. Then she found Dreams With Wings. “This work isn’t about money,” Holly says. “You do it because you believe in it. You choose it.” After all, someone believed in Holly. “Jenifer [Frommeyer, Executive Director] always says our team works so well together, and that they’re amazing, and credits me,” Holly laughs, “but honestly, I credit Carolyn.” She’s speaking of Carolyn Bunton, DWW’s Enrichment Services Director and one of the leaders of the Adult Day Training program. “She taught me, you know. And she recommended I become the director. I'm not under Carolyn anymore, but I still go to her for everything.”  Sounds like a perfect fit, and honestly, sounds a lot like the journeys of the individuals that Holly supports on a daily basis.  Supported employment depends on relationships —with employers willing to be open, coworkers who become natural supports, families and community members who see possibility instead of limitation. Holly encourages people not to wait for a perfect moment. “If you’re a business owner and you think, ‘We’ve got a few tasks that never get done,’ call us,” she says. “If you’re a family member and someone you love wants to work, reach out. If one agency isn’t the right connection, try another. This is not about competition. It’s about the client. We’re lucky in Kentucky because there are so many great agencies here.” With at least another 10 agencies that Holly knows are doing great work, why stick with Dreams? “That’s how it goes—you learn, you grow, and eventually you find the place where you fit. And I did. This is my fit. I love our clients. I love our team. I love that this work is about people first—always. And that’s why I’m still here.” Learn more about Supported Employment and other incredible opportunities for Dreamers of all ages on on our website.

We Respond…...Turning need into possibilities.  " I can honestly say we don’t know where we’d be without Dreams With Wings. They didn’t just help Paul—they helped ALL of us '’.........Gina, Paul’s Sister Twenty-four years ago, Paul’s family reached out to us in need of residential placement, as his housing was no longer an option. His family was devastated and in crisis mode. We responded immediately by helping them get Paul on an emergency waiting list, apply for Supports for Community Living (SCL) waiver, and securing placement with an agency in Lexington. One year later, a residential opening became available at Dreams With Wings, and it changed the trajectory of Paul’s life and his family’s. Since then, Paul and his family have given us the opportunity to live our Mission: empower children and adults with intellectual and developmental challenges and autism to enhance their strengths, contribute to their community and live a lifetime of purpose. Paul was born with intellectual challenges, but from an early age, he has shown us that life is not about limitations — it’s about possibilities”........Madonna, Paul’s Sister Through our programs, Paul has formed meaningful friendships, gained valuable work experience, enjoyed countless outings, traveled on annual vacations, and has been actively involved in the community. One of his favorite traditions is the Jack O’ Lantern Stroll. He loves dressing up, handing out candy, and greeting trick-or-treaters. This year, he proudly introduced himself to every visitor as “the Mayor of the Stroll.” “ Paul is incredibly special: funny, loving, and full of personality, but for a long time, we couldn’t find a program or organization that truly understood him. Many places focused on what he couldn’t do, instead of what he could. ” — Madonna, Paul’s sister Over the past two decades, we have witnessed Paul grow in confidence, independence, and joy. It has been our honor to walk alongside him as he builds a life filled with purpose, dignity, and community. For 25 years, we’ve responded to every challenge and every dream with care, hope, and determination. Your support makes that possible. Join us. Give today. We Respond because every life deserves to soar. https://dreamswithwings.networkforgood.com/projects/262504-2025-annual-appeal Hear Paul's Sister's tell their story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCv78KkwLYg

We Respond to Need….. .When someone is in need of our services, we jump into action. Jamesha has been part of Dreams With Wings since her early teens, growing from a summer camper into an active participant in our Adult Day Program. She lived with her father, George, who always hoped she would one day take the next step and join our Residential program. When George passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, everything in Jamesha’s world changed. Within 24 hours, Jamesha was residing in a safe environment with staff caring for her. Soon after, she found her forever home with one of our Family Home Providers.  She has fit right in and happily refers to her new siblings.   Today, Jamesha is thriving.  She has remained active in her Buddhist SGI community.  She loves listening to Kidz Bop, going on outings, and is even tapping into her dramatic side to perform in this year’s Holiday Cabaret. Your support makes stories like hers possible. When life changes suddenly, we respond . Now, we invite YOU to respond just as we did for Jamesha. Your gift to the Annual Campaign ensures that when a Dreamer is in need, we respond with stability, compassion, and the support they need and deserve. Click Here to Donate: https://dreamswithwings.networkforgood.com/projects/262504-2025-annual-appeal

See and hear what our clients and families have to share about Dreams With Wings. Check it out here: https://www.dreamswithwings.org/testimonials Do you have a story to share? Let us know - info@dreamswithwings.org .