The Speaker for March 24th is Tyler Gleason, representing the Borgen Project which believes that leaders of the most powerful nation on earth should be doing more to address global poverty. The Borgen Project  is a national campaign that is working to make poverty a focus of U.S. foreign policy.  Tyler lives in Valley, Nebraska.  Tyler is a political affairs intern and previously spent 3 years living in Queretaro, Mexico and was exposed to abject poverty and destitution. That experience, in more ways than one, completely altered the trajectory of his life

Jason Ackland, from Valiant Studios was introduced by his host and mother, Judy Ackland. Valiant Studios is a vocational program for adults with disabilities who enjoy both music and art. They have created beautiful works of art that each have their own individuality to them.  Jason brought along some samples of the art work to display.   Jason's background is in music.

 

Valiant is part of the RHD Omaha which is affiliated with RHD Omaha which is a a chapter of a National organization.  The program started in the 1970's as an effort to provide drug rehab and grew by adding community services outreach providing shelters for battered and homeless adults.  The current program is funded by Nebraska Health and Human Services which provides referral clients for the programs.  Several of their clients are afflicted with Autism and related issues. 

 

The average age of their participant is 27 years old, the youngest is 21 which is also the minimum age of member.  The participants some times have violence issues and the staff is trained to handle such issues by using techniques other than physical contact.

 

The participants at Valiant are on site from 8 AM to about 430 PM on weekdays and music and art are used as a vehicle to provide participants a way to express themselves and learn to cope with daily life.  There is a pickup and drop off service provided as required.

 

Valiant Studios is presenting a free studio exhibit titled ELLIPSE on March 25th from 6 to 8 PM at Valiant Studios, 4509 South 143rd Street, Suite 12 and 13.  This is a Free Open Exhibition.  Also, Art Work will be available for purchase.