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!
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LEEP Staff
Mandy Hunecke Jackie Schweim Amanda Dolfin Jackie Derner Kayla Cue Cody Arnold April Gunderson Nicole Wehseler Michael Weichmann Jill Foss Pam Childs Eric Niesen Nate Wilson Zac Lewis |
Executive Director Assistant Director Special Olympics Coordinator Office Coordinator Assistant Program Coordinator Assistant Program Coordinator Assistant Program Coordinator Assistant Program Coordinator Assistant Program Coordinator Assistant Program Coordinator Assistant Program Coordinator
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Contact Information
LEEP
929 North 4th Street
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-5122 Phone
(507) 387-1676 Fax
http://www.mankatoleep.org
http://leepvacations.blogspot.com
leep@mankatoleep.org
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.
