Mosaic in Southeast Kansas, a non-profit organization providing services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, held its annual ‘Partners in Possibilities’ fundraiser Tuesday afternoon, in the lower level of Pittsburg’s Memorial Auditorium.

The annual event, spanning nearly two decades, raises funds and awareness for the organization, which serves around 137 individuals. Founded in 2003, Mosaic provides children’s services, day services, employment skills, personal care, supported living, targeted case management, transition services, and more.

“To support people in a meaningful life, Mosaic knows how important it is for those we serve to live where they are loved and respected,” said Mosaic in Southeast Kansas Executive Director Leslie Lackamp. “... As a caring community, Mosaic finds out what matters most to someone and then we seek opportunities to make that happen ... Not only are these individuals engaged in numerous activities offered in our area, but they are learning valuable interpersonal skills, which lead to employment and greater independence. Not to mention, we are helping them build their self confidence in their own abilities.

“We also give a voice to people’s needs. Mosaic has to be relentless when assuring those that we serve get the best health care possible. That is not always easy when those we serve can’t tell the doctor why they don’t feel good ... We have 33 employees and 47 shared living providers. The employees and providers open their hearts to make a difference every day.”

Not only did attendees get to hear from Lackamp, but MacKenzie Chaffin and Bill McClellan, individuals served by Mosaic, spoke to the crowd.

“Thank you Jesus Christ,” said McClellan. “Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today, you know. Mosaic has did a lot for me in life and I just thank them every day. I just celebrated eight years the other day at my job, blessed to have this job. I work in Cherryvale, Kansas, at G&W Foods. They do a lot; they call me like family over there. I’m blessed to have this job, and I tell everybody one day I’m going to retire over there and that’s a long time from now. I’m just blessed every day.”

Attendees also got to watch a video presentation from those served across the nation by Mosaic before hearing testimonialsfrom Tara Fairchild (Kansas Mosaic at Home Manager), LaTonya White (host home provider), and Kerry Knight (served by Mosaic).

“I came from a big family,” said White. “I had five brothers and three sisters so we didn’t have much growing up but I felt like we had a rich family because our home was filled with love and watching my mom and dad pour into my brothers and sisters, and sometimes having to take that individual time and just taking it one on one, that really touched me and then watching them pour it into the community kids that would always come over.

“That just touched me, so I took that love that they poured into me and now that I’m a mom, I poured that love into my home and these two that I have here with me today, my boys, watching them pour it into what it is that I love to do, it touches me in so many different ways ... (The key), it’s definitely consistency. Consistency plays a huge role in our day-to-day. Staying on task, completing tasks so we can move onto the next.”

As part of the fundraiser, attendees were given a pledge form with various donation options that included five-year commitments and one-time payments. No matter the amount, the money continues to help those who serve and are served by Mosaic.

For online giving options, visit mosaicinfo.org/southeast-kansas-partners. For more information, email leslie.lackamp@mosaicinfo.org or call 620-231-5590.

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews.