Four months packed with purpose through 12 free sessions and four community showcases
GREENSBURG, Ind. — Opportunities to learn something new can also be opportunities to discover common ground. This October, Developmental Services, Inc. (DSI) will launch Beyond Barriers: A Community Enrichment Series in Decatur County, inviting people with and without disabilities to create, connect and experience their community together.
Made possible through a generous grant from the Decatur County Community Foundation, the series will run from October 2026 through January 2027. Each month will feature three sessions and a community showcase, providing four months packed with purpose through 12 sessions and four celebrations of participants’ creativity and accomplishments. Participation is free.
Beyond Barriers brings individuals supported by DSI and fellow community members together as classmates, creators and neighbors. Through partnerships with local businesses, instructors and community spaces, participants explore shared interests, build skills and form connections in welcoming settings. Grant funding covers participation costs, opening these experiences to people who might otherwise miss the opportunity.
At its heart, the program puts inclusion into practice. Sharing a table, learning alongside someone new and celebrating each other’s work can help build familiarity, friendship and a stronger sense of belonging.
“Beyond Barriers grew from a simple belief: everyone deserves opportunities to discover what they enjoy and find places where they feel they belong,” said Ellie Moore, DSI’s Senior Director of Marketing & Development. “We’re creating room for people to meet, try something new and recognize how much they have in common. We’re deeply grateful to the Decatur County Community Foundation for investing in that vision, and to our programming team and community collaborators for bringing it to life.”
Following Beyond Barriers experiences in Jackson County, the Decatur County launch introduces new local collaborators and a fall lineup centered on creativity.
October Activities
Tie Dye Workshop | Tuesday, October 6, noon to 2 p.m.
Allyssa Reincke of Dyed Designs will lead the workshop at 211 E. Main St., Greensburg. Nine spaces are available for community participants.
Cozy Candle Making | Tuesday, October 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Participants will create their own candles with Allyssa Reincke at Dyed Designs, 211 E. Main St., Greensburg. Six spaces are available for community participants.
Pumpkin Painting | Tuesday, October 27, 10 a.m. to noon
Participants will turn pumpkins into autumn masterpieces at DSI’s Decatur County facility, 1015 N. Michigan Ave., Greensburg. Ten spaces are available for community participants.
Community Showcase | Wednesday, October 28, 4 to 6 p.m.
The community is invited to The Branch Gathering Place + Coffee House, 113 N. Broadway St., Greensburg, for an evening of art and refreshments featuring participants’ creations. Friends, family and neighbors are encouraged to attend and celebrate together.
The series will continue in November, December and January, with three sessions and a community showcase each month. Details for those activities will be shared as the series progresses.
October workshop spaces are limited. Register at dsiservices.formstack.com/forms/beyondbarriersdecatur or scan the QR code on the event flyer.
About Developmental Services Inc
Developmental Services, Inc. (DSI) is a nonprofit organization serving children and adults with disabilities in Indiana. Its mission centers on supporting people who face barriers to direct their own lives, experience inclusion, pursue personal fulfillment and participate productively in all areas of life. Beyond Barriers advances that mission by creating shared experiences that help people build relationships and participate more fully in their communities. Learn more at dsiservices.org.
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