Program helping young adults with developmental disabilities loses funding

A Doña Ana County program that helps young adults living with developmental disabilities integrate with the community is being defunded.

The Beloved Community is a program made up of local volunteers that help young adults living with developmental disabilities interact and build relationships with others within Dona Ana County.

But right now, they are on the verge of being shut down, due to a loss of funding.

Kay Lilley is the project coordinator for Beloved Community.

It helps serve people ages 17 to 25 living with developmental disabilities who were on a three-year waiting list at that time to receive state services.

“It goes from skill building to social skills, communication skills have gotten much better. Community navigation I believe they are much more aware what the opportunities the community holds for them,” Lilley said.

Since then, many young adults have learned lifelong skills such as connecting with others and learning to volunteer their time and give back to the community.

Randy Maddox, said the program has taught her to be more independent,

“I love it. It gets me out, it gets me active and not always with my mom,” Maddox said.

Maddox said that she use to spend most of her time at home playing video games and watching TV, but now she enjoys spending the at the park and doing group projects like visiting local nursing homes.

“Helping old people and kids and people that can’t walk or say I need help, I just go help them,” Maddox said.

Maddox said it’s also given her more confidence in life, and has even helped her find her true passion in art.

“When I draw something or color something it’s like I hear everything but I don’t pay attention. All I want to do is finish what I’m doing,” Maddox said.

The Beloved Community was funded by the Department of Health through a general state grant.

But with the state's budget deficit, the program lost its contract and is running off of community donations.

Volunteers involved in The Beloved Community hope to continue the program but are looking for local support.

If you'd like to volunteer your time or make a donation to the program visit https://www.gofundme.com/beloved-community