For more than 20 years, CAP and its volunteers have had a commitment to serving persons with developmental and physical disabilities. Sometimes that means caring for a participant’s basic needs. Sometimes that means educating the community about persons with disabilities and their inherent dignity. Sometimes that means dancing.

In October, Rainbow Respite, one of CAP’s two respite centers for adults and children with disabilities, hosted a Luau for participants and their families in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. The Friday night event included food, dancing and a chance for participants to be themselves.

“It was just a great opportunity for the participants!” said Staci Cordahl, a long-term volunteer at Rainbow Respite. “They got to come to a place with a room full of people who were there to support them, and get to know them. They were able to be themselves without feeling judged, and they had a fantastic time!”

Rainbow Respite offers week-long residential programs where participants stay at the center for a week to provide respite for their primary caregivers and a fun experience for participants. Participants take an active role in preparing meals and planning activities for the week, which can include trips to the local YMCA, bowling, the movies and church. Though most participants enjoy the weekday activities, Staci noted that the Luau helped some get out of their shells.

“There was one participant that was with us the week leading up to the dance, and it was all we could do to get two words out of him all week,” she said. “By the end of the dance we were dancing with him and I was able to have a conversation with him. It was such a growing experience for everyone involved.”

Though Staci is the only long-term volunteer at Rainbow Respite, volunteers from several programs and communities came out to dance and help make the event a success. You can view pictures from the event here.