This month, the King Adult Day Enrichment Program (KADEP) is celebrating its 24th Birthday! KADEP provides a life-affirming day program for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), brain injury and other acquired neurological conditions.
KADEP opened its doors in January of 1991 to just 6 clients a day. Today, our team works with an average of 60 clients each day to provide a safe and structured environment where clients can thrive. KADEP provides a place for clients to function independently and enhance their quality of life.
“Together we have sustained our mission to improve the quality of life for each person in our community,” says Michelle King, KADEP Director, “Our client family is a diverse group of individuals with many different diagnoses, but together we are one large family.”
At KADEP, participants choose from more than 65 exercise, psychosocial, cognitive and self-help activities each week—all of which are therapeutic by design. KADEP is the only one of its kind nationwide and 90% of our clients and caregivers say they are highly satisfied with this program.
Brent McIntosh, a KADEP client since 2008, explains his experience this way: “KADEP has made a big difference in my life. Before I started coming here, I used to sit by myself during the day. Being here, I am active and have a lot of friends. It feels like home and it is wonderful to be here.”
Group programs include hydrotherapy, strength training, yoga, computer skills, cooking, cognitive training, support groups, arts and crafts, gardening, and many more. Ongoing outings include trips to stores, movies, museums and other destinations. Three camping trips a year combine adaptive outdoor sports with overnight respite for caregivers.
Our KADEP team includes certified therapeutic recreation specialists, exercise specialists, a licensed clinical social worker, a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, certified nursing assistants, and other staff.
We’re happy to have been a part of so many lives over the past 24 years, and we’re looking forward to many more!