At Friends of JCDS
We Bridge the Gap

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In the Last Year...

$ 121943

$ 23777.50

450 /MONTH

At Friends of JCDS
We Bridge the Gap

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In the Last Year...

$ 12,1943

$ 23,777.50

450 /MONTH

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To Access Basic Living Needs

Special Assistance

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Special Assistance

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To Access Basic Living Needs

Special Assistance

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Special Assistance

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At Friends of JCDS
We Bridge the Gap

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Events

Holiday Tree Raffle

2023 Holiday Tree Raffle is now concluded

December 4, 2023 | 4:30 pm

On Facebook!

Learn More

Celebrate Friends

It's time to Celebrate You! and You! and You!

April 25, 2024 | 6 pm

Thompson Barn

Learn More

Friends Rock

Saturday, October 12, 2024

October 12, 2024 | 12 pm - 3 pm

Hurricane Allies

Learn More

Testimonials

My involvement with Friends like organizations dates back to my childhood. I grew up with a downs syndrome older brother who has been a continued source of inspiration t...

My involvement with Friends like organizations dates back to my childhood. I grew up with a downs syndrome older brother who has been a continued source of inspiration to my life. My parents were part of a grassroots effort that organized to provide schooling and employment opportunities for this population. The activities of Friends brings meaning and community to not only those that we serve but just as important to those caring individuals that surround them.

Friends of JCDS brings local change to support, nurture and empower individuals of all ages. I am proud and honored to be able to serve on the board of Friends of JCDS t...

Friends of JCDS brings local change to support, nurture and empower individuals of all ages. I am proud and honored to be able to serve on the board of Friends of JCDS that provides services to our community members with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Growing up with a family member that suffered from learning disabilities and watching him struggle makes me really appreciate all the work Friends of JCDS does to secure a better quality of life for members of our community and their families.

My aha moment with Friends of JCDS was the demolition day my family and I participated in for the Santa Fe House. Really getting see how we, community members, family vo...

My aha moment with Friends of JCDS was the demolition day my family and I participated in for the Santa Fe House. Really getting see how we, community members, family volunteers, etc. can put this all together to support people truly living and participating in the community.

At Friends of JCDS
We Bridge the Gap

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Thank you to our sponsors

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In the Last Year...

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Every Dollar Counts

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$12.25

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$122.25

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$115.25

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heyyy

Janel Bowers

Chief Executive Officer

Janel Bowers

Chief Executive Officer

Meet Janel Bowers, the  Director of Development for Friends of JCDS that joined the team in November of 2015.

“I cannot remember a time when someone has gone to her with a question, request, and/or issue and she’s responded in the negative; her response is also “yes, and” and usually goes above and beyond the initial request. Janel asks for input and feedback from Team Leaders and residents and then actually takes that feedback and turns it into action.”

Education/Certifications

Masters of Arts in Philanthropy and Development, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Bachelors of Arts in English, Kansas State University

If asked, Janel will tell you that she wants to live in a world that is inclusive and filled with innovations that allow everyone opportunities to be who they are.

Janel has strong ties to the intellectual and developmental disabilities field, serving as a volunteer, the court appointed guardian and conservator for the last 18 years through the Kansas Guardianship Program, and having worked in Community Living, Supported Employment and Sheltered Workshops throughout her career.

Janel will tell you that she drives to work with a big smile on her face each morning because this is the perfect job, EVER. She gets to see the transformations made in people’s lives every day. “This is more than a job: I’m on a mission to help you get it… really get it! People are people, and they all want the same thing- a place to call home, friends to hang out with, and a job that gives them purpose- the rest is just stuff…”

Dr. Julie Downey

Board Member

Dr. Julie Downey

Board Member

I love the mission of the organization and the services provided as well as the WAY we provide them. I love what we do.

Ali Lotia

Board Member

Ali Lotia

Board Member

“Friends of JCDS brings local change to support, nurture and empower individuals of all ages. I am proud and honored to be able to serve on the board of Friends of JCDS that provides services to our community members with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Growing up with a family member that suffered from learning disabilities and watching him struggle makes me really appreciate all the work Friends of JCDS does to secure a better quality of life for members of our community and their families. “

Mike Cochran

Board Treasurer

Mike Cochran

Board Treasurer

My involvement with Friends like organizations dates back to my childhood. I grew up with a downs syndrome older brother who has been a continued source of inspiration to my life. My parents were part of a ground roots effort that organized to provide schooling and employment opportunities for this population. The activities of Friends brings meaning and community to not only those that we serve but just as important to those caring individuals that surround them.

Rob Robinson

Board Member

Rob Robinson

Board Member

Chad VonAhnen

Executive Director of JCDS

Chad VonAhnen

Executive Director of JCDS

I am most inspired by the work we do. Particularly on the days when the community comes together and does something miraculous for the individuals we served. My fondest memory, to date, was our demo day at Santa Fe. All the people the showed up to make a wonderful, accessible home for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Johnson County was truly inspiring.

Patty Dumovich

Board Member

Patty Dumovich

Board Member

Micquelyn Malina

Board Member

Micquelyn Malina

Board Member

Ron Worley

Board Secretary

Ron Worley

Board Secretary

Ron Worley is a former Republican member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing the 30th district. Prior to being elected, Worley worked for 14 years as a building official in Lenexa, and has served in the U.S. Air Force. He received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Worley is a member of the Kansas City Catbackers Club, Leadership Lenexa Alumni Association, Lenexa Chamber of Commerce, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Scott Tschudy

Board Member

Scott Tschudy

Board Member

Wayne Hall

Board Member

Wayne Hall

Board Member

Tammy Brooks

Business & Property Manager

Tammy Brooks

Business & Property Manager

Tammy joins Friends of JCDS with both direct support staff experience as well as office management, facilities and accounting experience. Tammy is very passionate about the individuals we serve and is dedicated to ensuring that they have a quality home to live in and their basic needs are met.

Brian Compton

Board Chair

Brian Compton

Board Chair

My first contact with Friends of JCDS was through the North East Johnson County Chamber. I really enjoyed volunteering with the organization through chamber events that I found myself doing more and more outside of chamber. I even included my family in events, and my son is the top raffle ticket seller. EVER. I love our mission. I love that our board gets involved and we get things done for the people we serve.

Ashlee Carroll

Board Member

Ashlee Carroll

Board Member

Julie Zollicker

Board Vice Chair

Julie Zollicker

Board Vice Chair

At Friends of JCDS
We Bridge the Gap

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$121,943

is the average annual income
of individuals served by JCDS.

Get Involved! Donate

Special Assistance

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CELEBRATE FRIENDS

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Our Work