On December 15th of 2023, CLA Board Members, Staff, Host Home Providers, People Receiving Services, and family members all came together for our annual holiday gathering. It was nice for everyone associated with CLA to be able to come together in person this year, which was not the case during the past two holiday seasons. This year, the party was held at the Doubletree Aurora Hotel. During the party, there was great food, opportunities to socialize and interact with friends we may not have seen recently and, of course, an opportunity for the people we support to show off their dancing skills.
One of the best things that happened during the party was the chance for the people we support to spend time with Santa, where each person received a gift, specially selected by a group of “Santa’s Helpers,” who shopped ‘til they dropped to make sure everyone received an awesome gift.
After the party, Mary, who is fairly new to the CLA family summed it up nicely and said, “It was a treat to be able to attend my first of many Christmas parties with CLA. Seeing everyone visit with Santa and receiving their gifts was touching. It was also great to see the way everyone lit up and truly enjoyed one another. Everyone coming together to share in the celebration of the season was the best gift! I enjoyed myself from beginning to the end. Thank you for allowing me to share in the celebration.”
When asked what he liked about the party, Shane, who attends CLASS Day Program, said that he enjoyed getting his gift and hearing the DJ play Elvis songs so he could dance. All in all, the party was another success and everyone who attended had a great time.
Special thanks goes to CLA staff, who worked hard to make sure this year’s party a success.
