scrapbook
 


Leisure Education for Exceptional People, Inc. (LEEP) is a non-profit, United Way organization that provides recreational and leisure opportunities for people with developmental disabilities so that they might achieve optimal levels of socialization and independence in the community.

Who Participates at LEEP

LEEP serves individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of four years, however the agency’s largest population are adults. LEEP participants have some form of a mental disability and may have physical disabilities and/or mental illness. Consumers may live independently, in a group home, an adult foster care setting, with family members, or in a supervised living situation. There are approximately 700 people in the greater Mankato/North Mankato area who participate in LEEP programs throughout the year, many of whom participate on a weekly basis.

Goals

1 Offer recreation programs that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.

2 Teach lifelong leisure skills.

3 Assist with inclusion of participants into existing community programs.

4 Increase community awareness of people of all abilities. 

History of LEEP

LEEP was started in 1978 by a group of parents who had children with disabilities. The group met every Wednesday night to socialize and recreate with other kids who had similar interests and abilities. Since that time, LEEP has grown in number of consumers served and services offered. This growth continues today and is reflected in the wide scope of programs that we offer. LEEP continues to collaborate with many people and agencies in our community who are committed to seeing our vision fulfilled.

How is LEEP Funded?

LEEP uses a variety of resources to keep the agency running smoothly. The United Way is a great source of support, as are contributions from civic groups and individuals. Participants do pay a small fee to assist with some of the expenses for activities. LEEP utilizes an average of 150 volunteers each year which helps to lower the cost of support professionals.

The Mankato Sertoma Club has supported LEEP from the very beginning. The Sertoma Club donated the building (in January of 2007) that houses LEEP and provides monetary support to assist with basic maintenance and utilities. Sertoma is a national service club which has been providing services to the community for many years. In Mankato, they have been providing opportunities for people with disabilities since 1960.

We would like to thank the Mankato Sertoma Club and the Greater Mankato Area United Way for all of their assistance and generosity.  Our efforts are a direct result of the community members who continue to support us!

Board of Directors

Meredith Menden, President

Susan Taylor, Past President
Cindy Wegner, Vice President
Kristi Powers, Secretary

Clyde Stewart , Treasurer
Becky Kunst, Executive Director 

Maureen Gustafson

Joe Tougas
Gary Watson

Shelly Connors

Jeff Iseminger

Lisa Rucker

LEEP Staff

Becky Kunst
Mandy Hunecke

Jackie Mulligan

Inge Milius
Jason Dittmer
Paige Thunder

Jessica Yada

Brittany Klee

Nathan Hawker

Corey Fennel

Kayla Cue

Brittany Lang

Natalie Anderson

Kimberly Rand

Missy Trebesch


Executive Director
Assistant Director

Office Coordinator
Special Olympic Coordinator
Assistant Program Coordinator
Assistant Program Coordinator
Assistant Program Coordinator
Assistant Program Coordinator
Assistant Program Coordinator

Assistant Program Coordinator

Assistant Program Coordinator

Assistant Program Coordinator

Assistant Program Coordinator

Assistant Program Coordinator

Assistant Program Coordinator

Contact Information

LEEP
929 North 4th Street
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-5122 Phone
(507) 387-1676 Fax
www.mankatoleep.org
leep@hickorytech.net

Thanks From LEEP

Our sincere gratitude to the many community businesses and organizations that support us. Among these are: The Greater Mankato Area United Way, the LEEP Board of Directors, the Mankato Sertoma Club, MRCI, Rich Menden (OFC), Mankato Clinic Foundation, Pfizer Corporation, Xcel Energy, Perfecseal Company, Mankato VFW Post 950, the Knights of Columbus, Minnesota State University-Mankato, ISD 77 Community Services ACCESS Program, REM, Habilitative Services Inc., Harry Meyering Center, Haugbeck Homes and our volunteers/service learning students, as well as many others too numerous to mention. Thanks for supporting us through the many years and into the future.