Meet Jakob!
2022 has been incredible for the KAA community. Most notably, this year has been big for ribbon cuttings. We’ve grown our organization with two additional locations: the beautiful new o2 Urban Farms facility and a second Just Brew in Harrison. What’s more, your contributions have allowed us to add programming for young adults with disabilities with our new Transition Age Engage Outings. Leading up to 2023, your support will help us continue to provide the essential services that enrich, empower and support adults with disabilities in our community.
This month, meet Jakob, a member of the Transition Age ENGAGE outing group. If you’ve ever browsed through the greeting cards in Just Brew, you may already be familiar with his artistic talent. Jakob joined the Ken Anderson Alliance Engage program in early October. Since then, he has been one of our favorite faces to see around the KAA offices.
Speaking of greeting cards, check out some examples of Jakob’s artwork above. We’ve stocked up on festive designs for the upcoming holiday season. They’re ready for you to pick up and spread some cheer to your family and friends. On top of drawing, Jakob also possesses a passion for the performing arts. Let’s dive into his transformative experience with Melodic Connections and KAA:
Singing the Praises of KAA
If you know Jakob, you know it’s no secret that he loves music. His time in Melodic Connections music therapy has cultivated both his love for music and innate talent. In fact, Jakob’s mom and Q102 Cincinnati on air personality, Jenn Jordan, notes that “[Jakob] has such a love for music. Singing brings him so much joy. And it’s such a great therapy for him to help build confidence, use motor planning and improve speaking skills.”
Jakob has been participating in Melodic Connections for many years through camps and group classes. He started taking adapted voice lessons with KAA music therapist, Alexandra Wilson in 2019.
At KAA, we see a lot of growth. Alexandra Wilson, also shared that she has particularly loved working with Jakob, building his skills and watching him achieve his goals: “Being in person allowed us to define his goal to perform in the community and go beyond just practicing our songs together.” The pandemic halted his first performance opportunity in Spring of 2020, but even after Melodic Connections was put on pause he continued taking weekly Zoom lessons with Alexandra over the last 2 years.
When Melodic Connections started back up in August of 2022, Jakob was first in line. Since the relaunch, the program has grown to 28 individuals enrolled in group and private lessons.
You can catch Jakob’s first performance at our Winter Studio Concert at Fretboard Brewing Company in Blue Ash on December 4th from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Life Long Friends
Our programs foster lifelong connections; we often see participants grow from teens into adulthood. Alexandra explains: “Four of my students who were in my teen class for years at Melodic Connections are back together again in our Band program. Since I last saw them, they’ve grown into adults and are a part of transition age programming. The connections built here are lasting and we see individuals evolve through major life transitions.”
Transition Age Engage
As a young adult, Jakob is part of our Transition Age Engage outings. These community excursions range from Red’s games, karaoke nights, mini golfing and more. Jakob’s mom shares: “When Jakob sees the ENGAGE schedule, he wants to go to every event. So many wonderful opportunities to connect and have fun with his friends. It’s such a huge need for our community and KAA is definitely doing their part to fill that need and improve the lives of young adults with disabilities. We love it!”
Engage outings are one of our most popular programs for a reason. These trips build confidence, generate lasting friendships and make for lifelong memories. You can check out our upcoming outings on our calendar.
Donate Today to KAA
Your support has an immediate impact on our community. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on generous donations from our community in order to provide these essential services to adults with disabilities. Please consider making a contribution this holiday season: donate now.