At Magdala House, care is more than a service—it’s an experience that uplifts, empowers, and inspires.
This past weekend, the Magdala House team took our Intellectual and Developmental Disabled (IDD) clients to Aquaport in Maryland Heights, Missouri. What started as an impromptu outing quickly turned into a day of breakthroughs and laughter.
Jonathan was afraid of the water when he arrived. Nervous and unsure, he stood at the edge, hesitant to get in. But with gentle encouragement and support from staff and peers, something shifted. By the end of the day, Jonathan had taken his first-ever trip down a water slide and was fully enjoying the water. He smiled and said, “This is the best day of my life.”
Christina also started the day with fear, but ended it swimming freely beside her peers. Jillian—already a confident swimmer—led by example, diving right in and showing everyone how much fun the water could be.
“It was an impromptu outing, but it turned into one of the most meaningful experiences we’ve had,” said Amber, Assistant Director of our IDD Programs. “Our goal is to create moments that build confidence. We don’t just support our clients—we celebrate their growth, their bravery, and their joy.”
At Magdala House, we believe in disability care that goes beyond the basics. Our IDD programs offer not only clinical and daily living support, but also experiences that build self-esteem, connection, and courage. Community outings like this one help our clients overcome fears, try new things, and discover just how capable they really are.
Whether it’s through a first swim, a shared laugh, or a moment of encouragement, our mission remains the same: to help every client feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Your support makes moments like this possible.
When you give to Magdala House, you’re not just funding programs — you’re giving someone their first swim, their first victory over fear, and their first step toward independence.
Donate today and be part of the breakthroughs.
Together, we can continue turning ordinary days into unforgettable milestones.
