Developing Potential has been dedicated to the community since 1993. DPI was created to respond to a significant service need in Jackson County. Developing Potential, Inc, is turning the tide for so many and improving their lives and literally Developing their Potential.
This holistic program focuses on body mind and spirit, helping people build strength, fostering independence and being a vehicle for changing lives.
Rebecca Case founded it and has been with the organization for 30 years. She started the program because she had a cousin with a developmental disability. As she and others grow into adulthood, services are not always available when individuals leave the school setting. They find that resources are just not available. She required a lot of direct assistance and medical support, which spoke to Rebecca’s heart.
“My cousin provided me a valuable lesson about life–everyone has potential,” Rebecca said. “It is important for each person in our community to have opportunities to become his or her best self. This is what motivated me to start Developing Potential and what drives me today to provide meaningful programs for more individuals in our community.”
Founded in 1993 in downtown Kansas City with just eight individuals, DPI soon grew through word of mouth to serve 50 people within three years. They then had a waitlist as the demand grew. It quickly became clear that these services were desperately needed in the greater metropolitan area. They quickly expanded to a site in Independence in 2002, and several years later opened a third location in Lee’s Summit to the many requests of the community.
They have always been committed to offering high-quality day services to adults with IDD. The Day Services program helps individuals develop and practice the skills needed for daily living, allowing family members to work while their loved one is cared for at DPI. On- and off-site, individuals work on skill-building activities focused on self-care, socialization, cognition, self-expression and other essential everyday skills. Participants are also integrated into the community through trips off site. Individuals work with staff to create personal development goals related to self-management, health, relationships, life skills, and employment.
The Health and Medical Support program was then created in 2008, which incorporates direct medical support with day services. This addition ensures all individuals with need can access care no matter the complexity of their diagnosis. The program focuses on preventative health care through annual health assessments, increased physical activity, and staff and caregiver training.
In 2012, DPI opened this third day services location in Lee’s Summit, and the Customized Employment program was created to help individuals find and maintain job opportunities with competitive pay. The program provides workplace support as staff guide individuals through the job-search process, developing interview skills, and on-the-job coaching once the participant finds employment.
Thirty years from opening its doors DPI is now a leading agency in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri, serving approximately 130 individuals, aged 19 to 65, through its programs each year. They are currently enrolling for their intake admission process and have space to serve more people in their beautiful new Lee’s Summit facility. Rebecca notes a key to the success of DPI’s mission is the wonderful, quality staff at DPI. Servant leadership is seen daily, and it truly makes a difference in the lives of others each day.
Developing Potential, Inc. is located at 235 NW Executive Way, Lee’s Summit, MO. Call 816-525-6000 and visit developingpotantial.org.