Beyond Expectations
Aspiro Capital Campaign
Welcome to Beyond Expectations:
A campaign to empower people of all abilities to do more. And be more.
For the first time in Aspiro’s history (other than an addition in the mid-1990s), we’re asking for your help. We are initiating a $21 million capital campaign to modernize our campus, upgrade outdated systems, and foster an environment that promotes learning, creativity and growth for our clients today and well into the future.
The Beyond Expectations campaign for Aspiro is rooted in the belief that the organization goes above and beyond at every level—from its founding and mission of “creating opportunities for people experiencing disabilities to live their best lives by reaching their goals, connecting to their community and achieving their independence,” to its community impact, and to the physical spaces where it all happens.
CREATING SPACES TO INSPIRE, TEACH
AND EXPLORE
A Transformation Beyond Expectations.
Institutional designs from the 1960s were functional but impersonal. Modern, welcoming environments foster a sense of dignity and respect, connect people together and tailor spaces to the needs of those who use them. We invite you to be part of this effort.
Spaces To Inspire, Teach, and Explore:
Classrooms with access to outdoor space – Lifelong learning helps individuals stay engaged and curious about the world around them. Aspiro’s programming reinforces previously learned skills and introduces new ideas and thinking. Natural light and direct access to outdoor spaces enhance learning.
Art Studio – A space that fosters natural expression at all abilities, and where clients develop self-awareness, explore emotions and improve social skills.
Music Room – Music captivates attention, motivates action and brings joy and success. It is a multi-sensory activity that combines the visual, kinesthetic, auditory and tactile systems. Additionally, music is non-verbal so for those who struggle with language, music can be a way to connect with others and express oneself.
Teaching Kitchen – The commercial space will be a mix of residential appliances for daily living skills development and some commercial equipment for job training.
Gymnasium – The gym has always been a signature space within Aspiro. It has been the hub for group sports, fitness and recreation. The new space will include an expanded spectator space to watch all the action and an adjacent weight room.
Modern Nurses Station – The nurses station will be updated for optimal client care.
Dementia-Friendly Space – A safe and familiar space for clients with a dementia diagnosis. A calm space with natural light and a simple, familiar layout.
RENOVATED SPACE THAT ENHANCES FUNCTIONALITY AND INSPIRES COLLABORATION
How we serve clients has changed dramatically over the last 60 years. With hundreds of clients working in the community and others receiving Birth to 3 services in their homes, the new design will align the staff serving them to plan for their success.
ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF AN AGING BUILDING
Aspiro has diligently cared for an aging building for 57 years — leaking roofs, pipes filled with sediment and an electrical system whose manufacturer went out of business 40 years ago. We have replaced boilers and air conditioning units, and put band-aids on things, but now is the time to address a building with systems that are beyond their life expectancy.
Michael's Story: Living a life no one expected
Once he graduated from high school, there was nowhere for Michael Kallies to go. Nothing for him to do except spend every day at home. Jon and Krissy, Michael’s parents, made the difficult decision for Jon to quit his job so he could be with Michael, who is diagnosed with fragile X syndrome and autism. But it wasn’t enough. “Michael likes to be part of something,” said Jon. “He likes to do different things every day.” Spending all day at home, he was bored and frustrated. “He would get angry and slam doors. He just wasn’t himself.”
NEVER A BAD DAY
Where they lived in Antigo, there wasn’t any programming or resources for people with special needs. Michael needed a long term solution so Jon and Krissy searched throughout central and northeastern Wisconsin until they found Aspiro. They quickly enrolled Michael in Aspiro’s Day
Services and his life changed on the first day. Every day is different for Michael, according to Jon. “Sometimes he goes on an outing and does a workout. Some days he wants to go to an art class or a music class,” he said. Michael has a group of friends he gets to see every day, and he can choose what he wants to do. He never has a bad day. "He’s thriving, and he loves it.”
A SENSE OF COMFORT
As much as Aspiro has done for Michael, Jon says it’s been equally important for him and Krissy.“Michael’s a really good kid. He did well in school, then when he graduated everything came to a sudden stop,” he recalled. He added that Aspiro has given their son a sense of purpose and belonging, and it’s given him and Krissy a sense of comfort knowing their son is safe and thriving. “It has meant the world to Michael,” he said. “I don’t know what we would do without Aspiro.”
Your gift will make Aspiro’s campus ready for the future.
Our mission has not changed in the nearly 70 years of Aspiro’s existence. But neither has our building. We need to elevate and modernize our building to reflect the care we provide and to ensure the safety of our clients. AND WE NEED YOUR HELP. The Beyond Expectations campaign is a $21 million fundraising campaign to upgrade an aging building and reimagine services for people with disabilities. Aspiro is proud to commit significant resources to this project, but we can’t do it alone. We need the support of our community to reach our goal. As we embark on this transformative journey, we invite you to join us in realizing our vision for a specialized space that empowers and engages the clients we serve. With your support, together we can go beyond expectations to create a lasting impact.
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Campaign Cabinet
Honorary Chair:
Sharon Resch
Honorary Chair:
Will Kress
Chair:
Rick Chernick
Cabinet:
Mary Bouche
Dennis DeLoye
Craig Dickman
Tony Hoes
Steve Liegl
Linda Negratti
Patrick Schillinger
Jim Wied
Jim Wochinske
Campaign Counsel:
O’Connor Connective
Campaign Staff:
Ryan Ruzziconi
Nicole Hoffmann
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Ryan Ruzziconi, President
Dear Friends of Aspiro,
I recently read the program for the dedication of the Dousman facility in 1967. A part of the message read, “With your help we have made these first giant steps. With your help we shall continue.”
Our founding families came together with a singular purpose: to build an organization whose mission was to help people with disabilities exceed all expectations. They succeeded in every way. They forged partnerships, developed services, created awareness, and built a facility that heralded as one of the first of its kind at the time.
Today, as we stand on their shoulders, we must address the needs of a building that has long outlived its lifespan. We, too, must take some giant steps. With your generous support, we can ensure that Aspiro’s facilities, resources, and programs continue to provide life-changing opportunities.
The families and clients of Aspiro are counting on us—and counting on you. Join us as we honor the legacy of our founders and once again go Beyond Expectations.
Thank you for being part of this journey. With your help, we shall continue.
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Rick Chernick, Campaign Chair
& brother Larry
Aspiro has been an integral part of our family since my brother Larry began receiving services in 1979. If you don’t know Larry, he has special needs and is a passionate sports enthusiast. At Aspiro, you’ll often find him playing basketball in the gym, on the softball field, enjoying outings for bowling and swimming, and attending special trips to sporting events. His favorite teams are the Packers, Brewers, Badgers and Bucks. Every Friday, he also takes to the stage in the Aspiro gym to sing karaoke. A go-to song for him is "Song Sung Blue" by Neil Diamond. The common theme with me and Larry is that neither of us can sing or, least of all, remember the words.
As you can see, Aspiro is a significant part of his life and ours – a significance that can’t be overstated. This is why I have stepped up to chair the Beyond Expectations campaign and why I am asking for your support. Aspiro is a second home and a second family for the people they serve. Our family has peace of mind knowing Larry is happy in a safe, engaging, and fun environment. Because of Aspiro and its staff, he sees he is no different from others.
Aspiro has always impressed me by having the absolute best, most caring, loving staff we could imagine. They do this out of love for the clients. Aspiro has been at the center of Larry’s world for over 40 years. It is a place where he and other clients continue learning, can get help finding a job, participate in art, music and athletic programs, and practice important skills for daily living. I find it unimaginable what Larry and others would do all day without Aspiro.
Please join me in supporting the Beyond Expectations campaign to ensure Aspiro continues to be there for all the families who need them.
