Through the eyes of her mother, Bonnie, and her uncle Paul
For adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), activities such as “Under the Sea” offer more than recreation. At Magdala House’s Adult Day Care Program on Kingshighway in St. Louis, hands-on activities are designed to support skills such as fine motor coordination, hand-eye coordination and concentration. Completing each step with support can also build confidence and give participants opportunities to feel included and successful.
Bonnie recently received a glimpse of that experience when she watched a video of her daughter, Kristin, participating in “Under the Sea.” Wearing a Mickey Mouse hat, Kristin used a small net to lift a fish from a clear container of water and place it into a fishbowl, with a staff member beside her providing support. After completing the activity, Kristin clapped for herself and said, “Yay!”
Kristin began receiving support through Magdala House’s IDD services as an adult 41 years ago. Today, she continues to receive residential support and attends Magdala House’s Adult Day Care Program, where she has built lasting friendships, remained active and found meaningful ways to contribute to the lives of others.
When Bonnie and Kristin’s father learned about her disability during childhood, they committed to giving Kristin the same opportunities for connection, participation and joy that every person deserves. Bonnie describes their goal as keeping her life “as normal as humanly possible.”
Her uncle Paul sees Kristin’s influence throughout the family.
“Kristin reminds our family how important it is to appreciate and share life’s simple joys,” he said.
The video captured something Bonnie has witnessed throughout Kristin’s life: when Kristin feels included and encouraged, she wants to participate. At the day program, she takes part in occupational therapy, morning exercise, dance parties and other activities. She often says that she enjoys the program and loves her friends.
Kristin also loves caring for others. She is especially fond of children and animals, and her thoughtful nature draws her toward people who may need help. At the Adult Day Care Program, she developed a close friendship with another participant and often helped him find his seat. Bonnie describes their relationship as beautiful.
That same sense of connection is present at home. After receiving residential support through Magdala House for many years, Kristin now receives Individualized Supported Living (ISL) support and shares a home with longtime roommates. Bonnie has noticed that her daughter is calmer, more peaceful and happier in her home.
During one visit, a roommate placed her arm around Kristin and called her a sister. For Bonnie, that simple moment offered powerful reassurance: her daughter was not merely living in a house. She belonged there.
One of Bonnie’s favorite memories began when she found Kristin sitting at the kitchen table with a staff member who was teaching her how to make pigs in a blanket. Kristin listened carefully and followed the directions.
“It was the sweetest setting. I shall never forget it,” Bonnie said. “Here was a staff person taking a sincere, loving interest in Kristin and teaching her about food preparation, and that is what Kristin loves.”
For Bonnie, quality support is revealed through moments like these. It is found in staff members who take the time to understand Kristin, include her and encourage the interests that bring her joy.
Kristin’s personality also shines through the details of her life. She wears her Cardinals shirt when the team is playing and chooses Mickey Mouse clothing for special outings. She calls her mother to check on her and ask what they will do the next time the family gets together.
These moments show that Kristin wants what all people want: to participate, contribute, celebrate and belong.
Bonnie uses one word to describe what Magdala House has meant in Kristin’s life: blossom.
For 41 years, Kristin has been surrounded by people who have encouraged her interests, nurtured her relationships and made room for her to participate. Like a flower given the care and space it needs to grow, Kristin has continued to open herself to the world around her, sharing her joy, compassion and love with everyone fortunate enough to be part of her garden.
Help More Adults Find a Place to Blossom
Kristin’s story shows what consistent support, meaningful relationships and opportunities to participate can make possible. Your support helps Magdala House continue creating places where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can build confidence, form lasting relationships and experience the dignity of belonging.
