"So Much to Give Inspiration Studio" by Pillars of Light & Love
Pillars of Light & Love is a registered 501c3 charity founded in 2014
About Us
The So Much to Give Inspiration Studio Opened July 8, 2023!
Located across from the So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe in the Shops at Cedars
3401 W Skippack Pike, Cedars PA 19423
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to cover our monthly costs and offer scholarships for those with disabilities who have a financial need and would like to attend classes
How It All Began.....
Pillars of Light and Love is a 501c3 non-profit with headquarters located at 511 W Main St. in Trappe, PA, just outside of Collegeville at the Empowering U Center. The charity was founded in 2014 by Kathy Opperman, the President of the organization, with the mission of teaching life and stress management through empowerment programs for ages 5 to adult. A variety of workshops and support groups are offered for youth and adults to learn skills to build confidence, coping techniques, positive communication skills, resilience and healthy relationships.
Since the inception of the charity, Pillars has offered well over 1,000 free workshops and support groups along with youth empowerment programs, some of which include BE ME Kids, Julia's Joy, COURAGEOUS KIDS, and the annual Julia's Joy Voice Idol Competition for ages 11-18. Through all of our programs, we strive to empower youth and adults to become the best and most peace-filled versions of themselves by learning self-acceptance, self-responsibility and self-love. See upcoming programs and workshops, and learn more, by visiting Pillars of Light and Love's website.
The "Pillars" of light and love reflected in the charity's name are those in the community who help us by volunteering, facilitating support groups and workshops, attending our Monthly Kindness Projects, and further supporting our mission by finding creative ways to share their time, talent, and treasure. In October of 2021, just as Kathy was seeking to expand the programs at Pillars to include those in the community with disabilities, one such "pillar," Maureen Stanko, known only as a Facebook Friend to Kathy, contacted her with an idea....
The So Much to Give Program
Maureen wanted to fulfill a pressing need in the community by creating a program to provide opportunities for young adults with disabilities to gain personal fulfillment by utilizing their unique gifts and talents to make a positive difference for others. With Kathy's help, So Much to Give was launched as a program of Pillars of Light and Love in January of 2022. Maureen is a former 30+ year Methacton School District teacher, a certified Health & Wellness Coach, Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, local musician, and mother of Nicholas, who has autism and apraxia. The So Much to Give Program was created to enhance the lives of those with disabilities and their families by providing opportunities for socialization, volunteerism, parent support, and community integration....
"SO MUCH TO GIVE " SOCIAL SKILLS GROUP
Participants in the So Much to Give program have been providing community activities since January 2022 where differently-abled adults gathered with the help of volunteers to participate in music, crafts, puzzles, games and fun! Participants make items to distribute in the community because Maureen believes that EVERYONE has "so much to give" to the world! Many new friendships and support systems have evolved from the So Much to Give Program. This photo is from February of 2022, when one of the first groups of participants decorated hearts to distribute to the elderly in the community.
The So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe
The So Much to Give Inclusive Café, opened its doors in November of 2022 thanks to the support of our amazing community, who helped us raise over $150,000.00 for the cause! The mission of this full-service restaurant is to empower all people, including those with disabilities and their families, to have equal opportunities to work, dine, socialize, volunteer, and learn. There are currently over 40 employees at the café, and we have dozens more on a waiting list for employment!
To learn more, follow the Cafe on Facebook, and check out the news clips on the Cafe's YouTube channel here: So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe - YouTube.
The So Much to Give Inspiration Studio
The So Much to Give Inspiration Studio opened its doors in July of 2023 because we believe that art, music, dance, and socialization have the power to inspire, uplift, support and transform everyone, especially those with unique abilities. Our team is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can socialize, explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills. Follow the Studio on Facebook HERE.
CONTACT US FOR QUESTIONS!
We are looking forward to chatting with you about the sessions being offered and how we can best accommodate our participants at the So Much to Give Inspiration Studio!
Photo on right: Maureen Stanko (l), Tyler Kammerle (c) and Kathy Opperman (r), Co-Founders of the SO MUCH TO GIVE INCLUSIVE CAFE & INSPIRATION STUDIO, within PILLARS OF LIGHT & LOVE, a 501c3 non-profit charity.
So Much to Give Inspiration Studio
3401 W Skippack Pike, Building G, Cedars PA 19423
