From One Voice: Spring 2025
By Sydney Dighton | Development Specialist, One Vision

At One Vision, standing with and supporting people with disabilities to pursue their best life means looking at the whole person – their talents, aspirations, and the meaningful connections they seek. True independence and community integration come not just from access to services but from opportunities to engage in purposeful, fulfilling experiences that advance independence and inclusion.

Faith, for some, is a significant piece of this puzzle. Last month, Loren and Keith, along with their Direct Support Professional (DSP) Deb Popp, attended mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Seated among the congregation, they followed along with missalettes in hand, sang hymns, and fully participated in the traditions of the Catholic service. Their involvement embodies One Vision’s commitment to ensuring that everyone has the chance to engage in meaningful community activities.

During this particular service, Father’s message felt almost orchestrated for this story and illustrated the importance of community by holding up two framed puzzles – one complete and the other missing a majority of its pieces. He described how the incomplete puzzle symbolizes the absence of community members. Thanks to Deb’s dedication and the welcoming spirit of Sacred Heart, Loren, Keith, and Angie, all individuals One Vision serves, have become vital pieces of the church’s vibrant community.

Deb has worked tirelessly to ensure that the individuals she supports have opportunities to participate in parish life. While Loren, Keith, and Angie have been members of Sacred Heart since childhood, Deb’s encouragement has significantly deepened their involvement.

“One time I took them to Stacyville [Catholic Church] when they needed an usher, and when we returned to the Osage church, they both wanted to usher,” Deb shared. That was the first step.

That initial step grew into a wide array of contributions. Loren, Keith, and Angie regularly assist in bringing offerings and gifts to the altar. Keith helps with sacristan duties and takes care of the church’s plants. Loren and Keith serve as greeters, and both Loren and Angie sing in the choir. Angie even had the special privilege of leading the choir one Sunday – complete with her own baton, which she was able to keep.

These experiences demonstrate One Vision’s belief that meaningful inclusion goes beyond simply showing up – it’s about actively participating and forging connections. Angie enjoys singing “whatever is in the book,” but her favorite part of church is listening to the priest’s messages. Loren, who recently joined the choir, now arrives early for practice with help from another parishioner, while Deb ensures his transportation needs home are met. This teamwork between parishioners and DSPs highlights the supportive, inclusive environment fostered by Sacred Heart.

“Just to show everybody can love Jesus no matter where they come from,” Deb said. “They can be part of the church, and they can be part of our parish, and can be meaningful members.”

As they connect with more people in the parish, Loren, Keith, and Angie become more engaged. Deb fondly recalled a moment, about a year ago, when Keith saw a familiar parishioner, Keith Mayer, enter the church. Without hesitation, he made a beeline to meet Mr. Mayer with a handshake.

“It was pretty powerful,” Deb said through tearful eyes, “just to watch them grow – because when we started, he [Keith] would not have shaken Keith Mayer’s hand. This is what it’s all about.”

Beyond their church activities, Loren, Keith, and Angie volunteer extensively for organizations such as the American Legion and the KC Hall. Their dedication embodies One Vision’s efforts to advance independence and inclusion, empowering individuals to lead enriched, independent lives as active members of their communities.

Angie’s mom summed up this journey beautifully: “She loves to be around people. I’m proud she can get out into the community, and they accept her – I’m one of the fortunate ones.”