The Stories Behind the Funding Gap
Government funding for community-based disability services continues to fall short of the actual cost of providing them. Read the life-changing stories that could be impacted.
June 5, 2026
Every person deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths, pursue their interests, and experience a sense of purpose.
For the individuals supported by Little City, programs like Studio Arts, Horticulture Therapy, Recreation, and Special Olympics help make those opportunities possible every day.
While these programs may look different from one individual to the next, they all have something important in common: they help people grow, connect, and thrive.
Meet Diane.
For Diane, Studio Arts is much more than paint, canvas, and creative projects.
It is a place where she can express herself, explore her imagination, and share a unique perspective with the world around her.
Like many artists, Diane communicates through her work. Every project becomes an opportunity to create something meaningful, build confidence, and experience the pride that comes from bringing an idea to life.
The Studio Arts program gives her more than creative instruction. It provides encouragement, accomplishment, and a space where talents are recognized and celebrated.
For Diane, art is not simply an activity. It is part of who she is.
Meet Jimmy.
When Jimmy participates in Little City’s Horticulture Therapy program, he isn’t just planting flowers or tending gardens.
He is building responsibility.
He is developing skills.
He is gaining confidence.
The program provides hands-on opportunities to learn routines, complete tasks, and experience the satisfaction that comes from seeing the results of hard work.
Every seed planted and every garden maintained represents something bigger than the task itself. It represents growth, purpose, and the chance to contribute in meaningful ways.
For Jimmy, horticulture creates opportunities to develop skills that can support greater independence while giving him a sense of accomplishment that carries far beyond the garden.
Meet Karen.
For Karen, Recreation programs provide something everyone needs: connection.
Whether participating in activities with peers, staying physically active, or simply sharing experiences with friends, these opportunities help create a sense of belonging and community.
The benefits extend well beyond the activity itself.
Regular recreation helps support physical wellness, emotional well-being, confidence, and social engagement. It creates opportunities to build friendships, try new experiences, and remain connected to others.
For Karen, these moments are not just events on a calendar. They are opportunities to stay engaged, active, and involved in a community where she is valued and included.
Representing Over 200 Individuals
Their Stories Represent Hundreds More
Diane, Jimmy, and Karen each have different interests, goals, and talents.
Yet their stories share a common thread.
Each has benefited from programs that help transform potential into opportunity.
Across Little City, more than 200 adults participate in underfunded programs like Studio Arts, Horticulture Therapy, Recreation, and Special Olympics each year. These programs help individuals build confidence, develop skills, form meaningful relationships, and experience the joy that comes from pursuing their interests.
And the reality is that these opportunities are not fully funded through government support.
A growing funding gap continues to create challenges for programs that are essential to helping individuals live full and meaningful lives.
Without donor support, opportunities like these could become more limited for the people who rely on them most.