JOHNSON CO., Ind. -- A local non-profit organization focusing on serving those with disabilities will soon be taking to the catwalk for its 4th annual fashion show.
But this fashion show is much more than showcasing clothing.
“We don’t see disabilities, we see abilities,” said Eve Presnell-Moore, the Director of Employment Services at Gateway Services of Johnson County.
That’s the shared philosophy of all at Gateway Services of Johnson County.
“We need to bring awareness that the folks that we are serving, are just like anybody else,” continued Presnell-Moore.
Gateway is a non-profit organization, serving those with intellectual disabilities.
“When I first started, I went to a training, and they pointed out, in that training, that every single one of us have a disability. It’s just the degree of that disability,” said Presnell-Moore.
Gateway gives its consumers companionship, while providing them with learning and lifestyle activities, and so much more—all while having fun.
“I got a lot of good friends, and a boyfriend, and I’m actually the club president of the Aktion Club, said Wendy Walden, who has been going to Gateway for about nine years.
Wendy told us she likes to do art class and she enjoys playing bingo, and she especially loves days when they have cooking class.
Gateway Services also provides individuals with work.
“They help me with my job, and they help me with my transportation,” said Donna Riddle, who has been going to Gateway for over 30 years!
Riddle is the perfect example of thriving at a job in which Gateway was the bridge for her to get that job.
“I do dishes, I do preps, I do other things if they need help, like setting up the salad bar, washing the dishes, things like that,” said Riddle.
So what does Riddle do? Well, for the last 30 years, Riddle has worked at the same Pizza Hut in Johnson County.
“I only work three days, and that’s enough,” said Riddle.
Riddle said she loves work, it’s what gets her out of bed in the morning.
“I love coming, everybody says, ‘You ain’t right, Donna, you like coming to work?!’, Love it. I love it, yep!” exclaimed Riddle.
Thanks to her job at Pizza Hut, Riddle not only makes money to enjoy her hobby of yard-saling, but also builds relationships.
“I have a friend that told me if I ever die, they’ll have to rent the biggest hall,” said Riddle.
To continue serving individuals like Riddle, Gateway Services is hosting its 4th annual fashion show.
“We came up with the idea of a fashion show featuring our consumers that we serve, as well as other folks in the community, so that it’s more of an integrated show,” said Kim Lakin, the Director of Day Services at Gateway.
The show will be held on Saturday, September 16th at Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood, and will include a brunch, a raffle, and of course, the show.
17 female consumers of Gateway Services, and 7 male consumers of Gateway services will walk alongside members of the community, modeling the latest trends.
“Women’s fashions are going to be provided by Outer Grace Boutique in Bargersville and our men’s fashions are going to be provided by Macy’s in the Greenwood Park Mall,” said Lakin.
Not only will those in the show get to model their clothes, but they will get the full star treatment.
“They get their hair and makeup done. Paul Mitchell Volunteers. They come to the show, they do hair and makeup ahead of time. We have someone do the ladies’ nails. So, they’re all really spiffed up for the day and very excited,” said Lakin.
Some of the hot items to be raffled off this year include 4 Disney World Hopper passes, tickets to Colts game and a signed football, a BJ’s Brewery private tasting for 10, coupons to St. Elmo Steakhouse, and much, much more.
But, one thing to note about this fashion show, is that it’s not all about the clothing worn, and sure, the funds gathered are wonderful, but it’s not about that either.
It’s about who is in the show.
“Getting to see them in all their glory, that’s the reason we do it. That’s what makes it such a special event every year,” said Lakin.
Though Gateway Services of Johnson County provides its consumers with so many wonderful activities and opportunities, and the volunteers touch the lives of those that are served, it also works in the opposite way.
“Whatever turmoil you’re having, whatever grief you’re going through, you come back here and surround yourself with these guys, and they just lift you up. They’re amazing people and they look at you. They don’t care what you’re wearing, they don’t care what you drive. They’re just amazing blessings,” said Presnell-Moore.
Gateway Services of Johnson County’s 4th Annual Fashion show is set for September 16th at Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood.
If you go to the show, here’s what you can expect: Doors open at 10:15 a.m. and there will be a brunch. Following the brunch is the show, and you can also walk around and bid on items for the raffle.
If you wish to donate raffle items or buy tickets to the event you can:
Go to the Gateway Services of Johnson County Website at www.gatewayarc.com.
You can also go to their Facebook page, just search Gateway Services of Johnson County, and let them know you wish to donate items to the raffle or purchase tickets. Easy as that!
You can also purchase the tickets to the event on PayPal or Eventbrite
