Stone Belt Stories
At Stone Belt, we recognize that the stories of our constituents truly tell the story of who we are and the impact we hope to have on the community. Check this page often to read new and updated stories about our clients, staff, volunteers and community partners!
Here are some of our stories. If you have a story or comment you would like to share, please email us.
Michelle Davenport, Student Volunteer
Meet Michelle Davenport, one of the most dedicated and ambitious student volunteers Stone Belt has ever known, driven by purpose and passion to turn a dream into a reality. Her vision – to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to express themselves through creative writing, dramatic interpretation, and public performance. Her dream – to allow people the opportunity to connect with the larger community, contribute to the building of understanding and respect, and be recognized as talented, multi-dimensional story tellers. Michelle spent months working individually with clients to craft monologues about their lives. She worked with individuals both with and without spoken voice, demonstrating patience and ingenuity to assist them in effectively communicating the message they most want to share about themselves. And she then worked with Stone Belt staff and community partners at the Bloomington Playwrights Project to organize a unique, powerful and professional evening of performance that took place in November of 2008. It was a first – but surely not the last – for our agency. She created a new opportunity for us to celebrate our Principals of Service, to celebrate Stone Belt’s excellence, and to celebrate the contributions that individuals make to the building and strengthening of community. She gave a voice to those who have not always been able to speak for themselves. She gave them new tools for expressing their feelings, hopes and desires.
Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Partner Agency
We’d like to introduce you to the men of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on the campus of Indiana University. These incredible students have selected Stone Belt as a local charitable organization that they wish to support through their time, talent and creativity. Nationally, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sponsors the Push America bike ride across the country, raising dollars in support of agencies working with individuals with disabilities. For the past four summers, the Push America riders have selected Stone Belt’s Central Region facility as a stopping point on their ride. Twenty five cyclists ride into town and spend the afternoon with our clients and staff - eating, socializing, playing games, and enjoying one another’s company. Locally, the chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, at Indiana University, has become personally committed to Stone Belt. They provide virtually all of the volunteer labor annually at our Fall-o-Ween celebration and Run with Me 5K, they regularly host dinner dances at their fraternity house for several dozen clients, they join our clients in Self-Advocacy and Special Olympics events, and they make annual financial contributions to the agency. The enthusiasm and sincere enjoyment that they bring to their interactions with clients is infectious.
Angie Ehlers, Client
Meet Angie Ehlers. She is a confident young woman who has assumed a leadership role with the Self-Advocates of Indiana. Their mission, which Angie helps to carry out so effectively, is to speak for themselves and others in order to make dreams, hopes and needs come true. Angie recently volunteered to check the accessibility of Monroe County poling places. Her contributions have made it possible for more Hoosiers with disabilities to have a voice and to fulfill the American dream.
Betty Underwood, Donor & Family Member
Betty Underwood (left) is a strong supporter of Stone Belt both personally and financially, generously contributing ideas and funding to the organization for over 10 years. Underwood became involved in Stone Belt in 1994 when her granddaughter Betsy Higgins (right) began receiving services from Stone Belt. She encourages others to get involved, contribute and to form a connection with Stone Belt in any way they can. "Stone Belt enables so many people to reach their potential where otherwise they wouldn't be able to. It is people helping people. Stone Belt is right there on the cutting edge," she said.
Timm Slota, Community Volunteer
Meet Dennis Oakley (right) and his good friend Timm Slota (left). One day Timm stopped by Stone Belt to volunteer; a Social Worker matched him up with Dennis and now, several years later, they remain close friends. They have similar interests and love to go to monster truck shows, motorcycle races and demolition derbies. They also volunteer together to ring the bell for The Salvation Army. Dennis has become part of Timm's extended family.
Billie Woods, Staff Member
Billie, a 13-year veteran of Stone Belt, is a Coordinator in the Supported Living Program. She supports dozens of clients in the Bloomington area and is an active participant in many community activities. One of these is Special Olympics. Recently awarded with the WFIU Unsung Hero award, Billie's enthusiasm for the community is contagious. Billie explains, "I am proud to be part of their (the clients') celebrations and honored to be someone they trust to help when things are not going the way they had hoped. Although this is not the career path I originally intended to take, I cannot imagine doing anything else."
George Langendorf, Donor & Former Staff Member
George Langendorf is a former employee and current donor to Stone Belt. He began working in Stone Belt's residential programs while he attended Law School at Indiana University. He is now an attorney in California. "I was always impressed with all that Stone Belt had acheived, and with the decency and good hearts of the people who worked there. Working for Stone Belt helped me keep some perspective on the world that is sometimes lacking at law school." When considering a charitable contribution, George shared, " I decided to donate to Stone Belt because I know the gift will be put to good use and will touch many, many lives."