Trips Ahoy Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit agency registered with the State of Ohio. They have been in existence for over five years and have funded many trips for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) in the Leeda Northeast program, giving them opportunities to experience vacations as well as enjoy other activities at their recreational center in Warren.
Each year, Leeda holds a major fundraiser so this much loved program can continue. This year they are hosting a Chili Cook-Off on March 15 at their It’s All Fine store at the Warren location. This vintage store employs some of the DD individuals who have been through training specifically geared toward helping them become independent and contributing members of the community.
Chili Cook-Off & Silent Auction
3581 Youngstown Road
Warren OH
March 15, 2014
11 am – 2 pm
Anja Calior and Paul Rickens are two residents who have been on several Trips Ahoy vacations. I thought it would be fun to interview them and let them share their own thoughts. You will enjoy hearing these as well as receive some insight into who they are, how they think, and find them to be very much like yourself!
Anja has been on several day trips and longer vacations. She went to Disney World in Florida, Hocking Hills in Southern Ohio, Waldameer in Erie, PA, Goodtime Cruise in Cleveland, and Ogelbay in WV.
“I went to Disney World for one week, it was my favorite,” Anja says. “I knew about Disney World, and I was very excited because I knew I was going to have a lot of fun!”
Packing was simple, just some clothes and toiletries. “I did not know everyone who went on the trip,” but she made a lot of new friends. “We stayed at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds in an RV and some tents. We would get up and go to Disney World, Epcot, and went to the beach one day. We cooked some of our meals, breakfast and dinner, outside.”
When asked about her favorite part of the trip, Anja said, “Disney World, being outdoors, and cooking and eating meals outside.” Her least favorite part was when strangers would ask about her disability.
What contribution has this trip made in Anja’s life? “I got used to being around people.” When asked if she would go on another Trips Ahoy vacation, she responds “Yes, I would love to go to the beach!”
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Paul has been on many trips as well: Disney World, Tennessee, Virginia Beach, Outer Banks NC, and Boston.
“My favorite trips were Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks,” says Paul who was not at all nervous, just happy and excited! “I knew a few things [about these locations] people had told me.”
He stayed in a big house on the beach. “What was your typical day like?” I asked. “Walk on the beach, shop, go in the ocean…” I imagine we all would be doing pretty much the same!
“What did you like most about the trip?”
“Parasailing,” he shares, “that was awesome! And the ocean waves and the tunnel that went under the water.” Swimming in the ocean was Paul’s least favorite part. “I just like to stand and let the waves hit me.”
Though he did not know everyone who went, he met several gentlemen whom he became friends with.
Another Trips Ahoy vacation might be in the future for Paul, but it “depends where we go. I want to go back to the beach.”
“Ability to Work”
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and this year’s theme is “Ability at Work.” Leeda Northeast has done an exceptional job at not only significantly improving the lives of people with DD through activities of daily living, vocational, and habilitation training, but also by providing a place of employment through their It’s All Fine stores in Ravenna and Warren.
Trips Ahoy has added to their quality of life by making available these annual vacations but needs your help! Please mark your calendars for March 15 and bring friends to this very important AND very delicious event!
