Firefly Services

04/24/2026

We’re grateful to the Lebanon MO Kiwanis Club for the opportunity to connect and share more about Firefly’s employment services.

Helping people find meaningful work and supporting local businesses along the way is at the heart of what we do. Proud of Bernadette for representing this work so well 💛

What a great meeting today! We were so grateful to have Bernadette Pearson, Manager at Firefly Supported Living and Employment Services, join us as our guest speaker!

Bernadette shared how Firefly helps connect motivated individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment in our community — and the best part? Their services come at no cost to employers! 🙌

Here’s a little of what Firefly offers local businesses:
✅ Pre-screened, qualified candidates
✅ On-the-job training & coaching
✅ Long-term follow-up support
✅ Help maximizing tax credits for hiring

With a 96% client satisfaction rate and 93% retention rate, it’s clear they’re doing something right! 💪
If your business is looking to hire, reach out to Bernadette at bernadette.pearson@fireflyservices.org or learn more at FireflyServices.org/employment-services 🔗

Thank you, Bernadette, for opening our eyes to the incredible talent and value that individuals with disabilities bring to our local workforce! 💛

04/23/2026

April is Autism Awareness Month 💜

Autism is a different way of experiencing the world, and every person has their own strengths, needs, and perspectives.

For many individuals and families, a diagnosis can bring a mix of emotions, questions, and uncertainty. Access to the right information and support can make all the difference at any stage of life.

We’re sharing a helpful resource that offers guidance for navigating what comes next.
🔗 Read more: https://www.fireflyservices.org/resource-center/guide-to-autism

04/21/2026

We have some exciting news to celebrate! 🎉

This past weekend, members of our Firefly team were recognized by the Brain Injury Association of Missouri for their incredible work and dedication.

👏 Lisa Glasgow and our Brain Injury team received the Service Excellence – Community Relations Award
🌟 Tami Parsons was honored with the Bill Buell Memorial Award

These recognitions reflect the compassion, commitment, and heart our team brings to the individuals we support every day.

Please join us in congratulating Lisa, Tami, and the entire BI team!

04/10/2026

Moments of connection, joy, and a few special visitors 🐰💛

Our Cape Girardeau clients celebrated Easter together with some adorable animal guests.

04/07/2026

Grateful for the warm welcome from the Perryville Chamber! We’re proud to be part of this community and appreciate the opportunity to connect.

04/06/2026

We were proud to serve as a Music Sponsor at the 2026 Silver Strands Celebration in Springfield, benefiting Friends of Abilities First🎶

This year’s event honored Senator Lincoln Hough for his support of inclusion and belonging for people with developmental disabilities and raised funds to support individuals with developmental disabilities in our community.

We were honored to attend alongside one of the individuals we serve, their parent/guardian, and members of our team. Grateful to be part of such a meaningful evening!

04/01/2026

There’s a lot to look forward to this April at the Joplin Day Program, from creative crafts to community outings and special events! 🧵✨

Here’s a look at what’s coming up this month:

🌸 Apr 1–2 Spring crafts and Walking Club
🐰 Apr 3 Easter Egg Hunt at Schifferdecker Park
🎨 Apr 6–10 Easter-themed crafts and activities
🚌 Apr 13 Diamond Grove Adventures field trip (leave at 9:30 AM, $14, bring a sack lunch)
🐷 Apr 15 Muddy Pig craft
🐑 Apr 16 Cotton Ball Sheep craft
🌟 Apr 17 Day Program Talent Show (1:30 PM)
🚒 Apr 19–24 Community helper activities and crafts
♻️ Apr 26–30 Recycling activities and environmental projects
🏅 Apr 28 Special Olympics Track & Field at Webb City High School (9 AM)
🎉 Apr 30 Birthday celebration

Throughout the month, individuals will also participate in Walking Club, cooking activities, and recycling efforts that support our community.

We’re looking forward to a fun and engaging month ahead!

04/01/2026

April is full of fun, skill-building, and springtime activities at the El Dorado Springs Day Program! 🌷☀️

Here’s a look at what’s coming up this month:

🌸 Apr 1–2 Easter crafts and activities
🌳 Apr 3 Schifferdecker Park (11:30 AM, no lunch needed)
🎳 Apr 7 Bowling in Stockton
🎭 Apr 8 Spirit Week: Dress as your favorite Disney character
🏈 Apr 9 Spirit Week: Wear your favorite football team shirt
🍦 Apr 10 Lunch Club at Dairy Queen ($10)
🏓 Apr 13 Pickleball at the Community Center
⛳ Apr 14 Mini golf in Joplin (leave at 9:30 AM, bring a sack lunch)
🧇 Apr 15 Cook Day: Making waffles
⚽ Apr 16 Kickball in the park
🌼 Apr 17 Outdoor games
🌱 Apr 21–23 Gardening activities and planting seeds
🌞 Apr 24 Fun day at the park
🕯️ Apr 27 Homemade candles
🍕 Apr 28 Lunch Club at CiCi’s Pizza in Joplin ($15)
🤝 Apr 29 Volunteering at Family Dollar
🎉 Apr 30 Birthday celebration and bingo

We’re excited for a month of learning, community outings, and plenty of opportunities to stay active and engaged!

03/30/2026

So many places to go and experiences to try 🌟

Here’s a look at some of the recent outings from Joplin’s Day Program, where people are building skills, connecting with others, and having fun along the way.

03/27/2026

Firefly recently hosted our Building the Future Together conference, bringing leaders from across the organization together for a few days of learning, connection, and growth.

Throughout the conference, attendees explored their conflict resolution styles, values, and appreciation languages, gaining tools to better lead and communicate with others.

Thank you to our Be Well team for supporting the experience and helping make it such a meaningful few days.

Experiences like this help us continue building a strong, supportive culture for both our teams and the people we serve.

And yes… there may have been a little karaoke along the way 🎤

03/26/2026

The Joplin Day Program spent the day exploring local parks and enjoying every minute of it! 🌳

At Firefly, we believe in creating opportunities for people to get out, stay active, and connect with their communities in ways that matter to them.

03/24/2026

Joplin’s Day Program got out in the community for a day at Incredible Pizza 🎉

Days like this are all about building connection, confidence, and having fun. At Firefly, our Day Programs support people in exploring their interests, building relationships, and being part of their communities in meaningful ways.