Resilient Remi When Sarah and Blake welcomed their son, Remington, they expected a smooth, healthy journey ahead. Despite an uncomplicated pregnancy, everything changed when Remi began having seizures shortly after birth, resulting in a 45-day stay in the NICU. As Remi grew, it became clear that while his body faced obstacles due to cerebral palsy, …
Variety’s Medical Equipment & Assistive Technology program empowers local kids and teens with the tools to safely navigate and fully participate in their worlds. When a car accident took away a crucial piece of Lillie’s accessibility, her family didn’t know where to turn to help her access the community again. Mom Amber shares… “When our …
Easton’s story beautifully illustrates the transformative impact of Variety’s My Voice® program. Watch his journey below and see how this vital assistive technology empowers Easton to share his unique voice with the world. Empowering Variety Kids Through Communication Imagine being unable to communicate verbally – how would this impact your daily life? Many children with …
Variety St. Louis is excited to announce the hire of Tim Sullivan as our new Director of Development. With his extensive background and expertise, Tim is set to guide us into an exciting new chapter of growth and success. In his role, Tim will manage and cultivate relationships with individual donors and board members to …
Highlights from Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. 51 talented kids and teens took the stage from August 9 to 11 to perform Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., captivating audiences and championing a message of inclusion. This dedicated cast, featuring kids with and without disabilities, spent three weeks together diving into an underwater adventure. Along the way, they …
Fintastic Fun: Highlights from Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. Read More »
Unleashing Hudson’s Full Potential Nine-year-old Hudson showcases the transformative impact that takes place when children with special needs gain access to the right programs and opportunities. Born with a brain injury that led to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, Hudson has faced significant challenges from the very start. Spending 28 days in the NICU and …
Janette Coleman is no stranger to Variety St. Louis. Having dedicated 12 years to Adventure Camp as both a camp counselor and in leadership roles, we are thrilled to welcome Janette as our new Senior Programs Coordinator! In her new role, Janette will collaborate closely with the Programs Director and Recreation Manager to ensure the …
In a world where communication is often taken for granted, Variety gives local kids and teens the tools to fully express themselves. Seven-year-old Clarkson faces verbal communication barriers, but with speech therapy and the aid of a communication device, he now shares thoughts and feelings proudly. Clarkson’s whole world changed when his speech therapist recommended …
We are thrilled to announce Amy Brinstill as the new Recreation Manager at Variety St. Louis! Joining our Programs team, Amy brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her role, where she will be spearheading all aspects of recreational activities, leading fellow team members. Amy’s journey into this role stems from her background in …
“This year, I ran the Boston Marathon to support Variety…” Todd Oswald, devoted Variety Dad and running enthusiast, took on the monumental challenge of running the 127th Boston Marathon in 2023. Todd was invited to participate in the iconic race in support of a charity of his choosing. For him, the decision was obvious. Although …
Adventure Camp leaves a lasting impact on Variety Kids, boosting their confidence, socialization skills, and even independence. For Variety Kid Jacob, Adventure Camp is a welcoming space where he feels included and accepted. His mom Jessica recently shared powerful feedback about the impact of Variety’s programs: “Jacob has always had a hard time socializing with …
Madi Navigates Her Next Chapter For 90 years, Variety has empowered kids with the life-changing tools to thrive during childhood and beyond. Before Madi and her family found Variety, they exemplified the struggles faced by thousands of families desperately searching for solutions to address their child’s basic needs. Madi’s family faced impossible choices, and since …
Variety is thrilled to introduce Emma Broyles as the new Finance & Administrative Coordinator. With her background in accounting and administration across various St. Louis companies, Emma brings a wealth of experience to our team. Emma plays an essential role in facilitating smooth operations in Variety’s office, assisting team members, and ensuring the upkeep of …
Judy Jones’ Legacy of Inclusion Variety honors and celebrates the life of Judy Jones whose generous spirit and dedication to others have left an enduring mark on the St. Louis community. Judy was deeply invested in empowering children with special needs to reach their full potential. Together, with late husband Dennis, Judy’s commitment to an …
Variety St. Louis is proud to welcome our new Board Chair – Mike Lefton, MX Holdings Executive Chairman – and new Board Vice Chair – Sean Fleming, Distribution Management CEO. Mike and Sean will lead Variety in our 90th year of empowering children with disabilities. With their passionate and driven leadership, Variety will confidently address …
Bold innovations, new partnerships, and our dedicated community of supporters made last year Variety’s most impactful in our storied history. With demand continuing to soar, Variety now actively serves a record 1,400 local families! Each of Variety’s core and enrichment programs saw significant growth reflected by record outputs and powerful feedback from families. MEDICAL EQUIPMENT …
Variety Alum Sarah Advocates for Inclusion For 90 years, Variety St. Louis has been empowering kids with the tools to improve skills, confidence, and independence throughout childhood in preparation for a successful transition into adulthood. No one embodies that spirit more than Variety Alum Sarah Schwegel, an Occupational Therapist Doctorate candidate, fierce advocate of disability …
Celebrating 90 Years of Impact In December 1933, our extraordinary history began. We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone as Variety St. Louis reaches its 90th year of dedicated service to children with special needs. Our generous community refuses to let children with disabilities go unnoticed. Compassionate individuals, like YOU, empower children with the …
Welcome to Variety, Anne! We are excited to announce Anne Young as Health Services Care Coordinator at Variety Saint Louis! Anne is an essential part of Variety’s Medical Equipment program, processing equipment applications and helping families get the tools their child needs to thrive. Anne graduated from Mizzou with a degree in Human Development & …
Introducing My Voice®! Imagine being unable to let your loved ones know that you are hungry, in pain, or that you love them. A new, innovative program from Variety St. Louis eases such concerns and literally gives children a voice. Variety’s new initiative addresses the frustration, isolation, and helplessness felt by children who are unable …
