Firefly Services

11/21/2025

“Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of community disability services. Day in and day out, they support people in leading full, meaningful lives.” — Celesta Hartgraves, President.

Our Firefly DSPs walk alongside people with disabilities every day, supporting them in doing what matters most, whether at home, at work, or out in the world. They are trusted advocates, mentors, and everyday heroes.

This fall, we’re honoring their impact through the Second Annual Firefly DSP of the Year Awards.

We’ll be sharing stories, photos, and reflections from the event, as well as why this work matters so deeply to the people we serve, their families, and our communities.

We hope you’ll follow along and help us recognize this extraordinary group!

11/21/2025

✨ We are still sparkling from the fun we had at Joplin Community Day!

From live music by Rangeline to face painting by Cheeky Fun Joplin, this event was packed with fun for all ages.

🍦 We appreciate Kona Ice of the Ozarks, Hershey's Mobile Ice Cream Parlor, and Bearly Wrapped for keeping everyone cool and well-fed.

We loved welcoming families, friends, and local partners to explore area resources, enjoy a sunny day, and experience what Firefly is all about: connection, belonging, and community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special. We can't wait to do it again!

11/17/2025

It doesn’t take much to make us happy on a bright fall day! Just good people, a little sunshine, and maybe a goat or two.

Our Joplin Fireflies visited Rutledge Wilson Farms recently to pet goats, sit on the tractor, and enjoy the fresh fall air! We are grateful for days like this and the people we get to share them with.

11/12/2025

11/06/2025

Thank you to the Joplin Fire Department for visiting our Joplin Day Program and teaching an engaging fire safety lesson! 🧯

Firefly clients had a great time learning more about how to stay safe, ask important questions, and get a closer look at the tools and gear firefighters use to protect our community.

We’re so grateful for your time, service, and support!

11/05/2025

Caregiver burnout doesn’t show up in one dramatic moment. It builds over time. If you’re focused on caring for someone else, it’s easy to miss the signs in yourself.

Here are a few red flags to watch for:

😴 You’re tired no matter how much you sleep
😣 You feel anxious, irritable, or numb
📅 You cancel your own appointments and plans
🧠 You feel like you’re losing focus or patience
💬 You’ve stopped talking about your own needs or feelings

Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to wait until it gets worse.

During National Family Caregiver's month, or anytime you need support, take a breath. Check in with a mental health care provider. You deserve care too.

11/03/2025

November at our Joplin Day Program is filled with hands-on activities and the spirit of the holiday season. 🧡

Here’s a peek at what’s ahead:

🦃 Turkey-Themed Activities All Month Long!

🌽 Corn Maze Activity & Corn Muffins in Cooking Class — Nov. 3 & 7

🎨 Beaded Corn & Cheerio Corn Crafts — Nov. 4 & 6

🧠 Harvest Word Search & Count the Harvest Games — Nov. 10 & 12

🎳 Bowling at 4th Street Bowl — Nov. 13 & 17 ($3.50 per person)

📽️ Movie Day in the Auditorium — Nov. 21 at 1 p.m.

🍽️ Thanksgiving Lunch — Nov. 25 at 12 p.m. (bring a dessert!)

💛 Thankful Plate Craft & Gratitude Activities — Nov. 25–26

🚪 Program Closed — Nov. 27 & 28 for Thanksgiving

Plus, we’re keeping steps and spirits high with our weekly Walking Club! 👟

11/03/2025

Our El Dorado Springs Day Program is packed with festive fall fun and creative ways to connect. 🍁

Here’s a peek at what’s coming up in November:

🔥 Volunteer Day + S’mores by the fire — Nov. 3

🎳 Bowling trips to Carthage & Stockton — Nov. 4 & 18

🌿 Pinecone Wreath Craft — Nov. 5

🧀 National Nacho Day Cooking Class — Nov. 6

🎬 Movie Day: Charlie Brown Thanksgiving — Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.

🍬 Candy Corn Science Experiment — Nov. 13

🧠 Find the Hidden Message Experiment — Nov. 10

🧪 Pumpkin Chucking Catapults — Nov. 12

🧃 Field Trip to Springfield Discovery Center — Nov. 14 ($9 — bring a sack lunch!)

🍽️ Thanksgiving Lunch at the Eagles — Nov. 21 at 12 p.m.

🦃 Stuff the Turkey Game + Hand Turkey Craft — Nov. 24 & 25

🎉 Birthday Celebration — Nov. 26

🚪 Program Closed for the Holidays — Nov. 27 & 28

With games, crafts, food, and science all month long, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

10/23/2025

🎪 A little extra color and laughter brightened the Firefly El Dorado Springs Day Program when a clown from the Carnival stopped by for a visit!

Proof that clowning around with your friends can turn any ordinary day into memories that sparkle.

10/20/2025

✨ The Firefly El Dorado Springs Day Program has been busy making memories!

From helping with Carnival setup to exploring the trails at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, our crew knows how to mix purpose, fun, and friendship. Whether it’s a new trail or a new skill, we always say yes to adventure and discovery.

10/17/2025

❤️💛 Firefly Joplin staff showed their team spirit for Red Friday!

We love seeing our teams celebrate together and bring a little extra cheer to the Day Program.

🏈✨ Go Kansas City Chiefs !

10/09/2025

From apple crafts to spooky science, our Joplin Day Program has a full month of hands-on fun and seasonal adventures.

Here’s a peek at what’s ahead for October:

🍎 Apple Pie Crafts & Cooking Class — Oct. 2 & 3

🔥 Fire Safety Week with Joplin Fire Department — Oct. 6–9

🎃 Pumpkin Paper Plate Crafts & Pumpkin People — Oct. 14 & 17

🦇 Spooky Crafts & Frankenstein Fun — Oct. 20–23

🌻 Trip to Campbell’s Maze Daze & Pumpkin Patch — Oct. 24 ($8 admission, includes a pumpkin!)

🎨 Pumpkin Decorating Contest — Oct. 27–31

👻 Halloween Party & Costume Contest — Oct. 31 at 1 p.m.

There’s something festive every week and plenty of chances to get moving with our Walking Club! 🍂