Celebrating Growth & Milestones | LifeLab Kids 2024 Recap

Jan 16, 2025

At LifeLab Kids, 2024 was a year of growth and celebration. Every step we took was dedicated to supporting children and their families through Innovative Therapies, new skill building programs, and community initiatives.

We are excited to share a few milestones that made 2024 truly unforgettable.

A Year of Opportunities & Memories

When we reflect on the past year, what touches our hearts the most is the number of children we’ve had the privilege to help. Over 170 children and their families became part of our community, each bringing their own unique story and needs.
We provided a range of therapies including behavior therapy to support and care for our children ensuring progress in their unique journey.

1. Introduced Prevocational Program

According to the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council’s Public Policy, 81% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Michigan are unemployed. This highlights the need for proper training to help children with disabilities gain employment and independence.
Teens and young adults often face significant challenges transitioning into adulthood, including pursuing higher education or entering the workforce.
Hence in 2024, we launched our Prevocational Program to address these needs. We focus on teaching essential life skills, and helping teens and young adults aged 11 to 26 prepare for independent living .
Through personalized support and real-world practice, the TYA program empowers individuals to overcome barriers and build brighter futures.

2. Detroit Free Press Marathon

Our team of staff, teens, and community members united to participate in the Detroit Free Press Marathon, raising funds for our TYA program. Together, we broke barriers in physical health, spirit, and community.

Through this incredible effort, we raised $15,000 to support the program. We’re deeply grateful for the community’s support, which helped us to create a meaningful impact on the lives of our teens and their families.

3. Newly Renovated Kitchen

One of the standout moments of the year was the grand opening of our newly renovated kitchen. This space is more than just a kitchen—it’s a place for learning and connection, supporting our mission to offer innovative therapeutic services.
The kitchen became a place where our children practiced essential skills such as cooking, cleaning, and team work.
We are grateful to our supporters—Carl’s Foundation, Jewish Fund, PNC Foundation, Eagles For Children, and Order of Alhambra—for making this possible.

4. Summer Social Groups

Our Summer Social Groups were another incredible success in 2024. These play-based, group therapy sessions gave children a safe space to build social skills, develop friendships, and just have fun.
For many children, it was an opportunity to engage with peers, practice communication, and experience joy in a supportive environment.

These sessions aligned with our play-based therapy approach, which continues to be an effective way of providing innovative therapeutic services.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we look toward 2025, we’re excited about the future. Our focus remains on providing the highest quality care to our children. We are committed to expanding our reach and ensuring that every child and young adult who walks through our doors receives the support they need to grow.

Together, we can ensure that every child’s potential is reached. Thank you for trusting us with your child’s growth, development, and future. We are honored to be a part of your family’s story.