Abra Baker is Fundraising for Day Spring

I absolutely love Give for Good! It’s the one day a year when fundraising for Day Spring feels extra personal to me, and it’s a day where anyone, anywhere can support causes they love.

For me, that cause is Day Spring. I’ve been part of this organization for almost three years, starting out working directly with students in our College for Living program which gives young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to “test drive” adulthood in a safe, supportive environment. Through classes, mentoring, and hands-on experiences, students practice the skills they’ll need to live on their own someday. Families across Kentucky remind us constantly how rare and needed this program is for young people as they leave high school. 

The students quickly became some of the most special people in my life. Three of the six students I worked closely with graduated this past year and are now living independently in the community. I still consider them friends, and their success is a tangible example of the future I believe in: one where people with disabilities are seen, valued, and fully included.

In January 2024, I transitioned into fundraising as Day Spring’s Marketing & Engagement Coordinator. While I miss being with the students every day, I now get to share their stories and expand their visibility. Over the past year and a half in development, I’ve focused heavily on building awareness. Day Spring has often been called Louisville’s “best kept secret,” but my goal is for it to become a household name. Give for Good helps us take steps toward that by introducing our mission to thousands of new people.

But beyond visibility for our name, what matters most is visibility for the residents we serve. While inclusion has come a long way, individuals with disabilities are still too often on the margins of society, seen mainly by their families and hired supports. Before working at Day Spring, I had little personal experience with individuals with disabilities. Now, I know them as some of the most genuine, kind, and FUN people in the world. I believe everyone deserves the chance to know, love, and learn from them. My hope is for a community where people with disabilities aren’t just supported at a place like Day Spring, but are truly neighbors, coworkers, and friends.

That’s why this giving day is so important. While Medicaid helps cover a portion of Day Spring’s budget, it doesn’t cover everything, and its future is uncertain. On top of that, College for Living isn’t eligible for Medicaid or state funding at all. Over the past year, we’ve poured energy and resources into expanding this program, but its growth depends on the generosity of donors. Each year we face a $500,000 funding gap that must be filled to keep providing excellent care and opportunities for the 60+ individuals we serve. Community support is what allows us to not only survive, but thrive.

Every gift during Give for Good helps us expand our reach, strengthen our mission, and create futures full of possibilities. Futures like those of my College for Living friends (all three of them pictured above): Daniel, who works hard to maintain friendships and make thoughtful plans with friends; Zack, who shares my love for a good dinner at Chili’s and always makes sure they leave the “crap” (vegetables) off his burger; and Madison, who entertains us all with weekly updates and funny stories about the furry friends she cares for at Pet Station Country Club.

Thank you for supporting Day Spring and thank you for believing in a cause so close to my heart!