Manitou Training Center Agency Highlight

This week, we’re proud to highlight one of our amazing partner agencies — Manitou Training Center

About Them:

At Manitou Center, one of our most cherished traditions is the Annual Lemonade Stand, now proudly celebrating its third year. What makes this story truly special is how it all began — with one of our participants, Lenny, who had never been to a lemonade stand before. One summer, she shared her dream of having one of her own. Her excitement and imagination inspired everyone, and our incredible DSPs — the dream makers — helped turn her idea into reality.

Each year since, the Lemonade Stand has become a summer highlight for our participants. From making the lemonade and designing colorful signs to greeting customers and counting change, they take pride in every part of the process. It’s more than just selling lemonade — it’s about confidence, teamwork, and belonging. Participants gain real-world skills like communication, planning, and money management, all while sharing smiles and laughter with the community.

This annual event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Rochester Glass Co., who has graciously provided space for the stand year after year. Their partnership has helped make this tradition a true symbol of community inclusion and connection.

The funds raised this year were used for a celebratory pizza party at the park, where participants reflected on their hard work and success. What started as Lenny’s simple dream has now become a lasting tradition — a reminder that with creativity, support, and a caring community, dreams really can become reality.

At Manitou Center, an agency of Marshall-Starke Development Center, we believe in empowering individuals of all abilities to grow, thrive, and live with purpose. The Lemonade Stand is proof that when our DSPs and participants work together, anything is possible — one glass, one smile, and one dream at a time.

How United Way Helps:

MSDC provides day services and community integration opportunities for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Fulton County. Our goal is to empower individuals to build confidence, learn new skills, and become active, valued members of their community through meaningful engagement and hands-on experiences.

We participate in a wide range of volunteer and enrichment activities that promote inclusion, connection, and purpose. Our participants volunteer weekly at several local organizations, including:

• Lifecare Center, where they play games and visit with elderly residents

• The Outlet Youth Center, assisting with cleaning and recycling

• Helping Hands (St. John’s Lutheran Church), sorting and organizing donated clothing and household items

• Fulton County Museum, helping set up and clean after community events

• Fulton County Animal Center, socializing kittens and supporting staff

• Local parks, where they help clean, maintain picnic areas, and support summer programs like the Parks Program, even bringing popsicles for over 125 children last year

We also have individuals who volunteer independently:

• Fred Bauman at the Kewanna Public Library, assisting with recycling

• Michael Shambarger at the Macy Food Pantry, helping sort and stock items twice a month

Beyond volunteering, Manitou Center offers a robust schedule of educational and recreational groups that rotate seasonally. These include social skills, budgeting, art, animal care, nature photography, karaoke, music, swimming, cooking, community history, and consumer choice activities.

Through programs like “Fulton County Finds”, participants explore new businesses, parks, and towns across the county — discovering hidden gems while building new community connections. In “Current Events at McDonald’s,” they read the local Shopper’s Guide and discuss what’s happening in the community over coffee. And in “Consumer Choice,” participants plan their own local outings, encouraging decision-making, teamwork, and independence.

We also partner with community members to share their hobbies and talents — from dance and macramé to art classes through the public library’s Makerspace program. New partnerships are continually being developed with local organizations, including plans for fitness, music, and Purdue Extension workshops.

Everything we do at Manitou Center is rooted in choice, empowerment, and community inclusion. Our participants aren’t just learning about their community — they’re becoming an active, engaged part of it.

We’re so grateful for the work Manitou Training Center does to make a difference right here in Fulton County. Together, we’re building a stronger, united community.