Aim To Inspire GR

07/30/2026

Sometimes, God gives you exactly what you need at the right moment. 💜

This morning, I received this text from one of our AIM To Inspire parents, and it brought tears to my eyes.

Those words reminded me that what we’re building is so much bigger than a program. We’re creating a place where youth and young adults with disabilities feel seen, valued, connected, and excited to come back.

As I reflect on our summer session, I’m incredibly grateful for the families who continue to trust AIM To Inspire year after year. Their support means more than they’ll ever know.

At the same time, my heart is heavy for the families I had to place on a waitlist—not because they weren’t interested, but because they were trying to figure out how to use their Medicaid benefits to access services.

That has stayed with me.

It has challenged me to think differently about how we can remove barriers and create greater access. I’ve reached out to MRS and Network180 because I want to learn more about the process of becoming a Medicaid-approved provider and how AIM To Inspire can better serve families who rely on those benefits.

If we can make that happen, more families may be able to access the workforce training, life skills, community experiences, and opportunities their loved ones deserve.

So today, I’m asking my community for help.

If you have experience with:
💜 Network180
💜 Medicaid billing
💜 HCBS Waiver services
💜 Becoming a Medicaid-approved provider in Michigan
💜 Or if you know someone who has successfully navigated this process…

I’ve learned that some of the biggest doors God opens come through relationships. I’m trusting that the right people will see this post and help point AIM To Inspire in the right direction.

Thank you to every family who continues to believe in our mission. Messages like the one I received today remind me that this work matters, and they encourage me to keep building, growing, and creating opportunities for the community we serve.

If you have a connection, please leave a comment or send me a direct message. I’d love to connect.

With gratitude,

Angela Sims
Founder & Executive Director
AIM To Inspire

Creating Access. Building Futures. 💜

07/30/2026

Sometimes God sends a reminder right when you need it most. 💜

Today I received this text from one of our amazing AIM To Inspire parents and it brought tears to my eyes.

Those words reminded me that what we’re building is bigger than a program. We’re creating a place where young adults with disabilities feel seen, valued, connected, and excited to come back.

As I reflect on our summer program, I can’t help but think about the families I had to place on a waitlist. Not because they didn’t want to participate, but because many were trying to figure out how to use their Medicaid benefits to help cover services.

That has been weighing on my heart.

I’ve reached out to MRS and Network180 because I believe this is an important next step for AIM To Inspire. My goal is to become a provider that allows more families to access our workforce development, life skills, and community programs through the benefits they already receive.

I know there is paperwork. I know there is a process. But if it means creating greater access for our young adults and easing the financial burden on families, then it’s a journey worth taking.

This is where I’m asking my community for help.

If you have experience with Network180, Medicaid billing, HCBS Waiver services, becoming a Medicaid provider, or know someone who has successfully walked this path, I would love to connect with you.

07/30/2026

💜🎶 I’m excited to share something special with our AIM To Inspire community!

A friend of mine has released a brand-new song, and I immediately thought about our incredible youth and young adults. Music has a beautiful way of building confidence, bringing joy, and reminding us that every person is unique and valuable.

If you support someone with a disability, this is a fun, uplifting song that encourages self-love, confidence, and embracing who you are. It’s a reminder that our differences are part of what makes each of us so special.

Let’s continue filling our homes, classrooms, programs, and communities with messages that inspire, encourage, and remind every person that they belong.

The song is now available on all streaming platforms. Take a listen, share it with someone who could use a little encouragement, and let’s show some love by supporting this new release! 💜🎵 Just clicked the link at the bottom….

Provided to YouTube by CDBabySpecial · Chandra Y. BurrisSpecial...

07/24/2026

🎉 FIVE YEARS! GOD IS SO GOOD! 🎉

Year 5 of our AIM To Inspire Summer Enrichment Program has officially come to a close.

When I think back to where this journey began, I could have never imagined all that God would do. What started as a vision has grown into five incredible summers filled with laughter, friendships, life skills, work experiences, community partnerships, field trips, and unforgettable memories for so many amazing young adults.

Every year has brought new challenges, new victories, and countless reminders that when God gives you a vision, He also provides the strength, the people, and the opportunities to carry it through.

To every family who trusted us with your young adult, thank you. To our dedicated staff, volunteers, community partners, and every donor who believed in our mission—thank you for helping us create access, build futures, and remind every participant that they belong.

Most of all, I give God all the glory. His faithfulness has carried AIM To Inspire every step of the way. I don’t take this milestone lightly.

Here’s to five years of impact… and believing that the best is still ahead. 💙

God is good. Always.

07/17/2026

Week 5 of our AIM To Inspire Summer Enrichment Program is in the books! ⭐

Another incredible week filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories.

Our young adults continued building essential workforce and life skills by preparing and serving meals, practicing responsibility through daily routines, strengthening friendships, enjoying literacy time with our newly painted community book crate, and taking pride in keeping their learning environment clean and welcoming.

We also wrapped up the week with one of our favorite traditions—our annual trip to Craig’s Cruisers! 🎉 From games and attractions to laughter and teamwork, our participants had an absolute ball. It was a well-deserved celebration of all they have accomplished this summer.

At AIM To Inspire, we know that growth happens through meaningful experiences. Every meal prepared, every new friendship formed, every responsibility accepted, and every adventure shared helps build confidence, independence, and a brighter future.

Creating Access. Building Futures. Inspiring Possibilities. 💜⭐

07/10/2026

Week 4 is in the books, and what an incredible week it has been! 💜⭐

At AIM To Inspire, every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build confidence. This week our young adults continued gaining valuable hands-on work experience with our amazing community partners while strengthening important life skills that will serve them for years to come.

One of our participants proudly stepped up to do most of the cooking this week and even went the extra mile by serving lunch to the other young adults. Moments like these remind us that leadership, kindness, and independence are learned through opportunity.

We also got creative by painting a brand-new book crate that will soon hold stories for others to enjoy. It’s amazing what can happen when creativity and teamwork come together!

🎉 Coming Up Next: Craig’s Cruisers!
Our annual outing is just around the corner, and everyone is excited! This is always one of the highlights of our summer program.

👕 Need Something Printed?
Whether it’s Family Reunion T-shirts, vacation shirts, business apparel, or custom designs, AIM To Inspire is here to help! We also debuted our new AIM To Inspire T-shirts this week, and we couldn’t be more excited.

Thank you to our families, staff, volunteers, and community partners for believing in our mission. Together, we’re creating access, building futures, and inspiring lives one opportunity at a time.

07/08/2026

Can I share something that’s been on my heart?

Over the last several weeks, I’ve received phone call after phone call from families looking for summer opportunities for their son or daughter with a disability.

The difficult part?

We’re already in Week 4 of our 6-week Summer Enrichment Program.

It makes me wonder… what if we started planning for our loved ones with the same excitement and intention that we do for everyone else?

Our youth and young adults with disabilities don’t want to spend the entire summer sitting at home. They don’t want their only social interaction to be with family. They deserve friendships. They deserve purpose. They deserve opportunities to work, learn, laugh, contribute, and experience life.

Recently, I spoke with a family whose mother had passed away. Her son is now caring for his sister and trying to find services and opportunities for her. My heart broke, but it also reminded me of something so important: community should be built before it’s needed.

Family is a blessing, but family shouldn’t be the only community our loved ones have.

I know every family’s journey is different. Some face financial challenges, transportation barriers, or simply don’t know where to start. Those realities are real. But whenever we are able, I encourage families to see these opportunities as an investment not just in a program, but in a person’s future.

Confidence is built.
Independence is developed.
Friendships are formed.
Skills are learned.
Lives are changed.

These aren’t just activities to fill the day. They’re opportunities that can shape a future.

If you have a son, daughter, sibling, niece, nephew, or loved one with a disability, don’t wait until the next program is already underway. Start looking now. Visit organizations. Ask questions. Build relationships with people you trust.

Because every person deserves more than being cared for.

They deserve to belong.
They deserve to grow.
They deserve to be seen.
They deserve every opportunity to live a full and meaningful life.

That’s why we do what we do at AIM To Inspire. Together, we’re creating access, building futures, and changing what’s possible one life at a time. 💜

07/03/2026

🌟 Participant Spotlight 🌟

Growth doesn’t always happen in big, dramatic moments. Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet victories that many people never see.

Today, I’m celebrating one of our amazing young men who has been part of AIM To Inspire for the past four years.

During our art project, he carefully followed each step of the process. For many people, completing a simple craft may not seem like a big accomplishment. But for someone with a disability, following multiple-step directions, staying focused, and seeing a project through from beginning to end can require tremendous effort, patience, and perseverance.

What I love most is that he didn’t give up. He trusted the process, kept going, and completed his project with confidence.

Watching his growth over these last four years has been such a blessing. Moments like these remind me that success isn’t always measured by how fast someone learns, it’s measured by the courage to keep trying, the willingness to grow, and the confidence that comes from accomplishing something you once thought was difficult.

This is why we do what we do at AIM To Inspire. We celebrate progress, not perfection. Every step forward matters, and every achievement deserves to be recognized.

Keep shining. We are so proud of you! 💙

07/03/2026

🌟 Participant Spotlight 🌟

Growth doesn’t always happen in big, dramatic moments. Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet victories that many people never see.

Today, I’m celebrating one of our amazing young men who has been part of AIM To Inspire for the past four years.

During our art project, he carefully followed each step of the process. For many people, completing a simple craft may not seem like a big accomplishment. But for someone with a disability, following multiple-step directions, staying focused, and seeing a project through from beginning to end can require tremendous effort, patience, and perseverance.

What I love most is that he didn’t give up. He trusted the process, kept going, and completed his project with confidence.

Watching his growth over these last five years has been such a blessing. Moments like these remind me that success isn’t always measured by how fast someone learns, it’s measured by the courage to keep trying, the willingness to grow, and the confidence that comes from accomplishing something you once thought was difficult.

This is why we do what we do at AIM To Inspire. We celebrate progress, not perfection. Every step forward matters, and every achievement deserves to be recognized.

Keep shining. We are so proud of you! 💙

06/26/2026

 🌟 Another Amazing Week at AIM To Inspire!

Week Two has been filled with learning, laughter, and growth! Every day our participants continue to build confidence, develop new skills, and encourage one another in meaningful ways. It’s amazing to watch friendships grow while each individual continues to discover their strengths.

One of the things we love most is seeing learning come to life through real-world experiences.

🍽️ Cooking & Life Skills

This week our participants practiced preparing their own lunches while learning important kitchen safety and food preparation skills.

Cooking is about so much more than making a meal—it’s about building independence, making healthy choices, following directions, and gaining confidence that will serve them for years to come.

🤝 Building Friendships

One of our social goals this week focused on inviting someone else to play a game.

While this may seem like a simple task, for many individuals it can be a big step. Learning how to initiate conversations, include others, take turns, and build friendships are valuable social skills that help create confidence both inside and outside the classroom.

We are so proud of everyone for stepping outside of their comfort.

💼 Hands-On Work Experiences

Our participants continue to thrive during their work experiences! These opportunities allow them to practice workplace expectations, teamwork, communication, responsibility, and task completion in real-world settings.

We are incredibly thankful for our community partners who believe in our mission and provide opportunities for our young adults to learn, grow, and prepare for future employment.

Together, we’re building confidence one experience at a time!

💜 Week Two Highlights

✨ Prepared their own lunches
✨ Practiced kitchen safety and independence
✨ Built friendships through games and social interaction
✨ Continued meaningful work experiences
✨ Strengthened problem-solving and communication skills
✨ Had fun while learning together!

❤️ Thank You!

Thank you for allowing AIM To Inspire to be part of your family’s journey. Watching each participant grow in confidence, independence, and friendships is one of the greatest blessings.

We can’t wait to see what Week Three has in store!

With gratitude,

Angela Sims
Founder & CEO
AIM To Inspire

Creating Access. Building Futures.