Tag: Las Trampas

Celebrating Direct Support Professionals: The Unsung Heroes of Independence

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

Behind every small victory at Las Trampas, there’s a story of dedication, compassion, and unwavering support. It’s a story rarely told—but this week, we’re changing that.

The heroes of these stories? Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)—the everyday champions who empower individuals with developmental and physical disabilities to live with independence and dignity. They’re not in it for the praise. They’re in it for the people. And they deserve more than just a moment of thanks; they deserve lasting recognition.

Why DSP Recognition Week Matters

DSP Recognition Week isn’t just a pat on the back. It’s a loud and clear reminder that these professionals are not just caregivers—they’re life-changers.

At Las Trampas, DSPs assist individuals with everything from daily living skills to personal advocacy. They build meaningful relationships and help create pathways to freedom, growth, and self-expression. Whether it’s helping someone take their first walk to a local café or supporting a choice that empowers autonomy, DSPs are there—every step of the way.

The Unseen Impact of DSPs at Las Trampas

Here’s a peek into the magic that happens at Las Trampas every day:

  • A participant learns to speak up for their preferences—finally using their voice.
  • Someone who once relied on constant supervision now shops independently.
  • Confidence blooms, bit by bit, because someone believes in them.

None of these milestones happen by accident. They happen because a DSP showed up—again and again, with heart, patience, and skill.

But while their impact is enormous, their visibility is not. Across the U.S., DSPs remain underpaid, under-supported, and under-recognized. That’s not just unfair. It’s unsustainable.

Support Work Is Real Work

This week is about more than appreciation. It’s about calling it what it is:
Support work is real work.

And it’s time we start treating it that way. That means:

  • Fair pay for skilled labor
  • Access to training and development
  • Ongoing recognition for the emotional and physical labor involved
  • Stability and benefits that reflect the essential nature of their role

At Las Trampas, these aren’t just wishes; they’re commitments. The organization actively invests in its DSPs by offering professional growth opportunities and celebrating their impact not just one week a year, but every single day.

Why Recognition Alone Isn’t Enough

Here’s the truth:
Gratitude feels good, but it doesn’t pay the bills.

The systemic issues facing DSPs can’t be solved with celebration alone. What they need—and deserve—is a commitment to advocacy and change.

That includes:

  • State and federal policy reform
  • Increased funding for disability support services
  • Community awareness and education
  • Advocacy from families and allies

Because when DSPs thrive, everyone benefits, especially those who rely on them for a full, independent life.

Amplifying the Voices That Matter

To make meaningful change, we have to listen. We have to lift up the voices of DSPs and the people they support. That’s why Las Trampas encourages DSPs to share their stories, challenges, and ideas.

When we hear directly from those on the front lines of care, we build better systems, stronger communities, and a future where support work is seen, valued, and sustained.

So… What Can You Do?

Whether you’re a policymaker, family member, employer, or just someone who believes in equity, there’s a role for you to play in honoring DSPs. Here’s how you can help:

  • Speak up: Advocate for fair wages and better funding
  • Share their stories: Help raise awareness in your networks
  • Thank a DSP: A personal message of gratitude goes a long way
  • Support organizations like Las Trampas: Your donations make a direct impact
  • Vote with intention: Support policies that uplift caregivers and people with disabilities

More Than a Week: A Call for Long-Term Change

This isn’t just about a moment of recognition; it’s about setting a new standard.

A future where Direct Support Professionals are no longer invisible.
A future where support work is treated like the skilled, essential labor it truly is.
A future where people with disabilities get the care they need from professionals who are valued, supported, and heard.

At Las Trampas, that future is already taking shape. But we need more voices, more allies, and more action to keep it growing.

Let’s Make Sure Their Work is Never Invisible Again

Join us in celebrating and uplifting the Direct Support Professionals who make independence a reality for so many. This DSP Recognition Week, let’s move from gratitude to action—and from action to lasting change.

How Everyday Actions Build a Legacy of Empowerment and Inclusion

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

What if your greatest legacy wasn’t in the accolades you earn, but in the lives you touch?

August is What Will Your Legacy Be Month.

Legacy. It’s a big word. It feels heavy, almost too grand to define. But when you peel back the layers, it’s really just about this: the impact you leave behind. And surprisingly, it’s not always in the grand gestures or lifetime achievements. Sometimes, legacy lives in the smallest acts—a kind word, an outstretched hand, or the belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table.

The Truth About Legacy: It’s Not What You Think

When people hear “legacy,” they often picture names on buildings, big donations, or fame that outlasts a lifetime. But real legacy is more than that. It’s more personal. More human.

It’s:

  • Helping someone find their voice when the world isn’t listening.
  • Creating space for others to grow, thrive, and lead.
  • Choosing inclusion over indifference, every single time.

Legacy isn’t reserved for the wealthy or the well-known. It belongs to all of us.

Las Trampas: A Living Legacy For 67 Years (and counting)

What began as a modest school has grown into a vibrant ecosystem of support services, friendship, and independence.

Let’s rewind to 1958. A group of parents, determined to give their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities a better life, came together and started something powerful. That spark became Las Trampas, an organization that’s been empowering individuals and building community ever since.

And here’s the real magic: everything at Las Trampas is built around empowerment. It’s not about what someone can’t do. It’s about discovering what they can do—with the right support, encouragement, and opportunities.

Empowerment Over Pity: Shifting the Narrative

Let’s be real: society hasn’t always been great at embracing people with disabilities. Too often, their identities are shaped by limitations, rather than potential.

But Las Trampas flips that script.

Here, inclusion isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the blueprint. Staff and volunteers don’t just serve, they listen, learn, and walk alongside. Every goal set, every step taken, every success celebrated is a thread in the fabric of a growing legacy.

And isn’t that what legacy should be about?

What Can You Do to Leave a Legacy?

You don’t need to start an organization or write a check with lots of zeros (though hey, if you can, go for it!). Building a legacy begins with what you choose to value, day in and day out.

Here are a few ways to start:

1. Share Your Time

Volunteering is one of the most impactful gifts you can give. Whether it’s spending a few hours a week with someone who needs support or lending your talents to help run a program, time invested is legacy built.

2. Tell Your Story

Never underestimate the power of your voice. Sharing your experience—especially about inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment—can inspire others to take action too.

3. Support Causes That Align With Your Values

A small monthly donation can help Las Trampas and similar organizations continue their work. Your contribution becomes part of a much bigger story.

💡 Fun Fact: Studies show that philanthropy not only benefits communities, it also increases happiness and well-being for the giver. Talk about a win-win!

4. Advocate for Inclusion

Speak up when someone’s being left out. Challenge stereotypes. Celebrate diversity out loud. These micro-actions, multiplied across communities, create massive shifts.

The Ripple Effect: Legacy in Motion

Think of legacy like a pebble tossed into a pond. The initial splash may be small, but the ripples? They go on and on.

When one person is empowered, they pass it on. A confident voice inspires others to speak. A welcoming hand builds a stronger community. Before you know it, your one small action has turned into generational change.

And that’s what Las Trampas has been doing for decades. Their legacy lives in every skill learned, every goal achieved, and every moment of independence their participants experience.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

In today’s world, where division and exclusion often grab headlines, the work of organizations like Las Trampas becomes even more critical. They remind us that real strength is in our humanity, and real legacy is in lifting others up.

We all crave purpose. We all want to know we made a difference. And the truth is—you already can.

So… What Will Your Legacy Be?

Here’s the thing: you’re building your legacy right now. With every decision, every act of kindness, and every moment of courage, you’re writing your story.

So ask yourself:

  • Are you empowering others?
  • Are you building bridges?
  • Are you choosing inclusion, even when it’s hard?

And most importantly, are you willing to be part of something bigger than yourself?

Because Las Trampas is here, doing the work. You can be part of it, through your time, your voice, your support, or simply by believing that everyone deserves a chance to shine.

Let’s Build a Brighter Future—Together

At the end of the day, legacy isn’t about what we leave behind; it’s about what we start now. And at Las Trampas, every moment is a new chance to empower, include, and inspire.

Because legacy isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. And it starts with you.

Ready to make your mark?

Discovering New Horizons with Las Trampas: A Journey of Inclusion and Empowerment

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

For over 65 years, Las Trampas has been a lifeline of support, growth, and empowerment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rooted in a powerful belief—that everyone deserves a place to learn, grow, and belong—this legacy organization is stepping boldly into the future with a dynamic strategic plan that’s all about deepening impact, expanding opportunities, and amplifying voices.

And here’s the exciting part: you’re invited to be part of it.

From Humble Beginnings to a Bold Vision

Back in 1958, a group of determined parents opened the doors to what would become Las Trampas. They saw potential where others saw limitations. What started as a small school has blossomed into a vibrant community organization that empowers adults to live, work, and thrive.

Now, with its eyes firmly set on the horizon, Las Trampas is gearing up for the next chapter and it’s more ambitious than ever.

What’s Inside the Strategic Plan?

Las Trampas’ new strategic plan is more than just a roadmap; it’s a bold declaration of what’s possible when we center inclusion, empowerment, and community. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

  • Expanded Supported Employment Services
    Helping more individuals find meaningful work and gain independence.
  • Tailored Day Programs
    Programs that reflect personal needs, interests, and goals.
  • In-Home Respite Care
    Supporting caregivers with flexible, compassionate relief.
  • Inclusive Recreational Opportunities
    Creating space for fun, friendship, and self-expression.

Each initiative is rooted in person-centered thinking, putting the needs and aspirations of participants front and center.

Inclusion Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s the Backbone.

At Las Trampas, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are more than checkboxes; they’re deeply embedded into the fabric of the organization. From staff to families to program participants, everyone’s voice matters. Everyone is seen, heard, and respected.

This strategic plan builds on that commitment by fostering stronger relationships, deeper community partnerships, and more meaningful opportunities for stakeholders to advocate, volunteer, and lead change.

The Vision for 2028: A Future Where Everyone Thrives

Fast-forward to 2028, and here’s what Las Trampas envisions:

  • Broader services that reflect the evolving needs of people with disabilities
  • Stronger connections with families, advocates, and community leaders
  • A continued reputation as a model for person-centered excellence
  • A community where everyone belongs and thrives

But this isn’t just a dream. It’s a plan, and it’s happening now.

Want to Make an Impact? Here’s Your Call to Action

This isn’t just Las Trampas’ journey; it’s ours, too. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or someone newly discovering this incredible organization, there’s a place for you in this movement.

Ready to dive into the full vision?
Download the full Las Trampas Strategic Plan and see how you can take action.

From advocacy to volunteering, from donations to partnership—your involvement matters.

Together, we can create a world where every person—regardless of ability—can live their fullest, most empowered life.

Why Disability Services Are Nonprofit Work at Its Purest

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

Every year on National Nonprofit Day, we celebrate the organizations that make our communities stronger, fairer, and more connected. For Las Trampas, this day is not just about recognition. It is about shining a light on why we exist and why nonprofits like ours are still essential in 2025.

Nonprofits step in where society falls short. They fill gaps that no one else is willing or able to fill. They make the invisible visible, often with fewer resources than most people realize.

In disability services, this mission is not abstract. It is lived every single day.

When “Option” Is Not Optional

For many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the programs we offer such as skills training, residential support, advocacy, and community inclusion are not extras. They are essential to living a life of dignity and independence.

Without them, opportunities can disappear overnight. The job interview never happens. The chance to live outside the family home evaporates. The ability to make friends or navigate public transit becomes an impossible leap.

Las Trampas was founded in 1958 by a group of parents who saw what others did not. Their children deserved an education, a future, and a place where they belonged. What began as a small school has grown into a thriving, participant-driven community where inclusion is not a promise. It is a daily practice.

More Than Services: A Force for Equity

We provide programs, yes. But our work is about more than classes or care schedules.
It is about removing barriers.

Sometimes that means helping a participant learn to cross the street safely so they can get to work.
Other times, it means standing at the State Capitol to tell legislators why Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) deserve wages that reflect the life-changing work they do.

Mission-driven is not just a label. In disability services, the mission is the difference between isolation and belonging, between surviving and thriving.

The Ripple Effect You Can See and Feel

Nonprofit impact does not stop with the individual. It spreads.

When one person gains a skill, their entire family feels the relief and pride.

When a participant gets a job, their workplace becomes more inclusive and co-workers become advocates without even realizing it.

When our self-advocates speak in Sacramento, they are not just influencing policy. They are shifting perceptions about what is possible for people with disabilities.

That is nonprofit work at its purest: change that begins with one person and grows into something much bigger.

Powered by People, Not Profit

None of this happens without the people who power our mission. Our Direct Support Professionals, program managers, residential staff, volunteers, and advocates make every step possible.

Unlike for-profit industries, nonprofits do not have profit margins to reinvest. Every dollar that comes in goes directly toward services, advocacy, and expanding opportunities. That is why community support through donations, volunteer time, and advocacy is not just nice to have. It is the fuel that keeps the work moving forward.

Where You Come In

On National Nonprofit Day, we invite you to not just celebrate us but to stand with us.

You can:

  • Take a tour of our Lafayette campus and see inclusion in action
  • Volunteer your time and experience the joy of real connection
  • Join our advocacy network to help push for the rights and resources people with disabilities deserve
  • Support financially knowing your gift directly fuels life-changing work

Nonprofits do not just exist to provide services. They exist to change what is possible. At Las Trampas, we have been doing exactly that for more than 65 years.

Learn more, get involved, and be part of our story at https://lastrampas.org

From Chalkboards to Community: The Las Trampas Journey

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

In 1958, a handful of parents stand outside a small school, not because it’s the easiest place to be, but because it’s the only place that made sense. Their children—kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities—deserved more than a system that ignored them. They deserved a space to learn, grow, and belong.

Our past…

That moment lit the spark for Las Trampas, a school founded not just on education, but on dignity, inclusion, and unwavering belief in potential.

Fast forward more than sixty years, and Las Trampas isn’t a school anymore. It’s become something bigger: a thriving, lifelong community where learning never ends, and everyone has a place at the table.

A Season of New Beginnings

Back-to-school season is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a mindset. A reminder that growth is possible, no matter your age or ability.

Las Trampas embodies that spirit year-round. What started with chalkboards and small classrooms has evolved into community-based services designed to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live more independently, form meaningful relationships, and chase their personal goals.

For many, it’s not just “back to school.” It’s “back to being seen, heard, and empowered.”

The Power of Belief in Potential

There’s something undeniably powerful about walking into a space that sees what you’re capable of—before you do. That’s the heartbeat of Las Trampas.

Here, belief isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a practice.

  • It looks like teaching daily living skills that help someone cook their own meal for the first time.
  • It sounds like participants advocating for themselves in community meetings.
  • It feels like walking into a room and knowing you belong, exactly as you are.

This kind of belief doesn’t fade with age. If anything, it grows stronger, expanding opportunities and opening doors that once felt sealed shut.

A Different Kind of Classroom

While most kids are headed back to rows of desks and lockers, Las Trampas operates on a different kind of curriculum. Here, the lessons are about confidence, communication, and contribution.

The “classrooms” might be local businesses, kitchens, art studios, or even hiking trails. But make no mistake: the learning is real, and the impact is deep.

Back-to-school isn’t limited to children. The spirit of Las Trampas proves that education is a lifelong journey. Growth doesn’t have a deadline.

A Legacy That Inspires

Las Trampas didn’t just grow. It evolved.

The transition from a small, specialized school to a dynamic community center wasn’t accidental; it was intentional. And it was driven by one core belief: everyone has the right to a full, meaningful life.

That belief is what fuels the staff, empowers the participants, and inspires the families who continue to walk through its doors.

It’s not just about “services.” It’s about showing up, day after day, and creating a culture where people thrive.

Back-to-School, Reimagined

This time of year tends to stir up feelings of anticipation, nerves, and maybe a touch of nostalgia. But when we zoom out a little, we realize that “going back to school” is really about giving ourselves (and each other) the space to grow.

So whether you’re a child with a backpack, an adult returning to a program, or someone learning to live more independently—this season is for you.

Las Trampas reminds us that:

  • It’s never too late to learn.
  • Growth comes in many forms.
  • And belief in someone’s potential can change the course of their life.

Let This Be the Year…

As backpacks zip and classrooms fill, take a moment to look beyond the usual routines.

Ask yourself: What does back-to-school mean for me?

Maybe it’s recommitting to personal growth. Maybe it’s recognizing potential in someone else. Maybe it’s supporting organizations like Las Trampas that are doing the deep, quiet work of building a more inclusive world.

Because when you really think about it, we’re all still learning.

And we’re all better off when no one gets left behind.