NDAD is proud to support Community Living Services with a $5,000 Gibbens Memorial Grant to help individuals with disabilities build confidence, independence, and everyday life skills through its new Accessible Kitchens, Independent Lives program.  

Building Confidence Through Hands-On Learning 

The program will provide participants with opportunities to learn cooking, meal preparation, kitchen safety, nutrition, budgeting, and other important daily living skills using adaptive kitchen tools and equipment. Grant funding will help purchase accessible utensils, ergonomic cooking tools, adaptive food-preparation equipment, and other resources designed to make cooking safer and more accessible for individuals with a variety of abilities.  

Community Living Services serves more than 450 individuals with disabilities through residential, employment, day habilitation, and other support programs. The adaptive kitchen program will be incorporated directly into existing services, providing ongoing opportunities for participants to practice real-world skills that promote greater independence.  

“By providing accessible tools and meaningful opportunities to practice real-life skills, we can help individuals move beyond simply receiving support toward developing greater confidence, choice, and independence in their everyday lives,” said Dr. Romeo Michael, Executive Director of Community Living Services.  

Supporting Independence One Skill at a Time 

The program's impact extends beyond cooking. Participants will have opportunities to strengthen decision-making, problem-solving, communication, money management, and other transferable skills that support independent living.  

“Learning everyday skills can open the door to greater independence and self-confidence,” said DeAnn Burckhard, NDAD Marketing Director. “We're proud to support Community Living Services as they create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to gain practical skills that help them live more independently and participate fully in their communities.” 

Continuing a Legacy of Impact 

NDAD's Gibbens Memorial Grant supports projects that enhance health, well-being, and quality of life for individuals in at-risk populations. Established in 2015 in honor of NDAD founders Faye Gibbens and Ron Gibbens, the grant carries forward their legacy of creating meaningful opportunities and improving lives across North Dakota.