The money was made available through The Ability Experience’s Circle of Giving Grant. Such grants enable local chapters to partner with local agencies and receive up to 25 percent of their annual fund-raising.
More than 20 fraternity members attended the school board’s monthly workshop where the check was presented. There, Lafayette Jefferson High School special needs teacher praised the chapter members for assisting in classes for nearly a decade.
“It’s been nine wonderful years that Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity has included my class as a recipient of The Ability Experience (programming) to serve those with disabilities,” said teacher Alyssa Montgomery.
“Most of my students have moderate cognitive intelligence that requires one-on-one assistance with basic skills such as simple communication, reading and math or even telling time,” she said. “Today there are so many demands and working with limited funds and staff that it’s challenging. However, the presence of the Pi Kappa Phi brothers has been, and continues to be, a blessing.”
The money will be used by the students with various physical and cognitive disabilities for community outings, food, basic toiletries and supplies. Since 2009, the chapter has donated $28,189 to the school board.
“Oh behalf of myself and students at Jefferson High School I would like to say ‘Thank you Purdue Guys’ from the bottom of our hearts,” Montgomery said. “Thank you for your sincere kindness and overwhelming generosity.”
Archon Chad Hellan spoke on behalf of the chapter members.
“The assistance that my brothers provide is very immeasurable in terms of numbers and how we affect the children, but it’s not immeasurable in the experience that we take away,” he said. “The life skills, the value of our friendships and knowing what it means to have the relationship we have is all made greater with our interactions with the students in the life skills classroom at Lafayette Jefferson High School.”
Nearly every school day, the chapter sends two or more brothers to assist the special education classes. The school board members were very appreciative of the chapter’s service and donation. In fact, Robert Stwalley who has served on the elected board since 2003, went out of his way to talk to various chapter members after the presentation. He congratulated them and their predecessors for so many years of continuous volunteer service.