Counting our Blessings

Follow Joey as he tours the Altamonte Kairos Adventures location with Brittany. During their conversation, Brittany shares information about choreography, creative activities, special events, and the many opportunities available for participants. Listeners will learn how the Altamonte location encourages creativity, confidence, teamwork, and fun. Interested in joining Kairos Adventures? If you’re looking to become part of the Kairos Adventures community, we encourage you to visit their social media pages and official website to learn more about their programs, upcoming events, and enrollment opportunities. You can also find information about classes, community outings, volunteering, and how to get involved by visiting the Kairos Adventures official website⁠. For additional questions, you can contact their team directly through the website or by phone. We hope to see you on your next Kairos Adventure!

Join Kairos Adventures as they bring the timeless story of The Wizard of Oz to life in a fun-filled and heartwarming theatrical production featuring Joey, Jessica, and all of their friends.Follow Joey as Uncle Henry and Jessica Gochenour as Aunt Em as they help begin Dorothy’s unforgettable journey. Guided by Moises, who serves as the narrator and announcer, audiences will travel down the Yellow Brick Road through the magical Land of Oz. Along the way, Dorothy and Toto meet beloved characters including the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Glinda the Good Witch, and the mysterious Wizard of Oz. Together they face challenges from the Wicked Witch and discover the true meaning of courage, friendship, wisdom, heart, and home. This special Kairos Adventures production showcases the talents of an amazing cast of performers who work together to create a magical experience filled with laughter, adventure, music, and teamwork. From the Munchkins and the Lollipop Guild to the citizens of Oz, every performer helps bring this classic story to life. Come celebrate the talents, creativity, and teamwork of the Kairos Adventures community as they take audiences on a magical journey to the Emerald City. There's no place like home!

Join Joey as he takes listeners on a journey through the Sanford Kairos Adventures location and sits down with Rachel for an in-depth conversation. Rachel discusses the exciting activities, community outings, field trips, photography opportunities, and social media projects that help participants stay connected, engaged, and involved in the Kairos Adventures community.  

Follow Joey as he visits the Sanford Kairos Adventures location with Kaley. Together, they give listeners a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sanford program, highlighting activities, events, friendships, and the impact Kairos Adventures has on participants and families throughout the community.

Follow Joey as he takes listeners on a tour of the Orlando Kairos Adventures location alongside Stephanie. Together, they explore the programs, projects, activities, and opportunities available through Kairos Adventures. Stephanie shares how the Orlando location helps participants build friendships, develop skills, and become involved in their community while having fun in an inclusive environment.

Heather opens the show with the origin of Kairos Adventures — a faith‑centered nonprofit that creates inclusive weekday programs, arts, chapel and community for people with varying abilities in Central Florida. The episode then visits Kairos locations in Orlando, Sanford and Altamont Springs, featuring interviews with site leaders, artists and friends, plus highlights of Joy Street Choir, online classes and ways to get involved. Interested in joining Kairos Adventures? If you’re looking to become part of the Kairos Adventures community, we encourage you to visit their social media pages and official website to learn more about their programs, upcoming events, and enrollment opportunities. You can also find information about classes, community outings, volunteering, and how to get involved by visiting the Kairos Adventures official website⁠. For additional questions, you can contact their team directly through the website or by phone. We hope to see you on your next Kairos Adventure!

Follow Joey as he sits down with his sister, DIANE Benitez, to explore the city of Orlando, Florida. In this episode, DIANE helps Joey learn his way around the city — from discovering must-try restaurants to learning about helpful programs and resources for people with special needs. Together, they share stories, local tips, and the meaningful ways Orlando supports inclusion, family life, and community connection. Whether you’re visiting or living in Orlando, this episode highlights places that are truly worth it! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to support Joey’s journey and amplify the voices in the special needs community. Interested in joining Kairos Adventures? If you’re looking to become part of the Kairos Adventures community, we encourage you to visit their social media pages and official website to learn more about their programs, upcoming events, and enrollment opportunities. You can also find information about classes, community outings, volunteering, and how to get involved by visiting the Kairos Adventures official website⁠. For additional questions, you can contact their team directly through the website or by phone. We hope to see you on your next Kairos Adventure!

In this episode of "Challenges and Choices: A Special-Needs Perspective," hosts Anne Ford and Joey dive into an inspiring conversation about the Frend Dance Program, a unique initiative designed to support individuals with Down syndrome. The episode highlights the incredible opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and community building provided by this program. Anne Ford shares her heartfelt journey in advocating for individuals with Down syndrome, inspired by her personal experiences. She discusses the transformative power of dance as a medium for expression and inclusion, emphasizing how it has become a vital tool for building confidence and social connections among participants. Listeners will learn about the Frend Dance Program's mission to create a supportive environment that encourages self-expression and friendship. Joey and Anne explore the positive impact this program has had on its participants, offering a window into the joy and camaraderie fostered through dance. Throughout the episode, Anne and Joey discuss broader topics related to Down syndrome, including the importance of community support, advocacy, and celebrating the unique talents and perspectives of individuals with Down syndrome. They emphasize the role of programs like Frend Dance in empowering individuals to thrive and achieve their full potential. Join Anne Ford and Joey for this uplifting discussion and discover how you can support and celebrate the talents of individuals with Down syndrome in your community. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into the world of special-needs advocacy and the profound impact of dance on individuals with Down syndrome.

When I started volunteering as an adult in the library at my old elementary school , I found out  a few of my teachers were still here.  Mrs. Dixon, and Mrs. Dennison both recognized me almost 20 years after I was in the class. Mrs Dixon remembered my name first and then Mrs. Dennison tried to put a face to the name. Once she made the connection she realized my picture was still in her classroom.  Podcast Episode Interview Title: Challenges and Choices: A Special-Needs Perspective Theme: Teacher Appreciation Week Special Host: Joey Guest: Mrs. Sally Douglas Dennison ⸻ Introduction: Welcome to our special Teacher Appreciation Week episode of "Challenges and Choices: A Special-Needs Perspective." This week, we take a moment to honor the incredible work of teachers who have made a difference in the lives of their students. Our special guest today is Mrs. Sally Douglas Dennison, a beloved teacher who has spent decades nurturing and guiding students with special needs. ⸻ Segment 1: Getting to Know Mrs. Dennison * Joey introduces Mrs. Dennison, highlighting her long-standing career in education. * Discussion about Mrs. Dennison's early days as a teacher and what inspired her to specialize in special education. Segment 2: Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week * Joey and Mrs. Dennison talk about the significance of Teacher Appreciation Week and its impact on the teaching community. * Mrs. Dennison shares memorable moments and stories from her teaching career that have made her role rewarding. Segment 3: Challenges and Choices * Addressing the unique challenges faced by special-needs educators. * Mrs. Dennison speaks about the choices she has made in her career that have led to both personal and professional growth. Segment 4: The Importance of Special-Needs Education * Discussing the evolving landscape of special-needs education. * Mrs. Dennison talks about the importance of individualized attention and inclusive education practices. Conclusion: * Joey wraps up the episode by thanking Mrs. Dennison for her dedication and passion for teaching, especially during Teacher Appreciation Week. Listeners are encouraged to reach out and show appreciation to teachers who have impacted their lives. Call to Action: * Encourage listeners to share their own stories of influential teachers and how they’ve made a difference. Closing Remarks: * Thank you for tuning into today's special episode. Join us next time for more insightful discussions on "Challenges and Choices: A Special-Needs Perspective."

Thanksgiving is a holiday, when people gather with their families and friends and count their blessings, and I did just that. Our family came in from New York and we had a great time. Our final day together was spent at Universal Orlando and that is where my podcast is coming from. I would like to thank my sister, brother-in law, mother and our cousins for being my blessings.