Check Out Lori Weber’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Weber.

Hi Lori, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
NPower was founded by Lori Weber, a mom with an autistic, adult daughter. All through the K – 12 education system, Lori learned that it took a team of teachers, direct service providers, social service assistants, and other care providers and specialists to help her daughter reach different potentials – often pushing past expectations.

Graduation changes everything for the developmentally disabled (DD) population. Most activities end, leaving young adults with few activities or goals that help them continue to grow, find friends, learn, and interact with the community. While typical graduates go to college or get jobs, DD graduates often fall into routines that lead to a dormant lifestyle with few opportunities to challenge themselves and grow.

A transition out of school and into the world is scary for anyone, but is particularly challenging for those with anxiety, autism, Down’s or other disabilities. But, with some creativity, effort and input from the people themselves, it’s possible to find meaningful activities, engage with others, learn new skills and enjoy life.

Encouraging members of the DD community to identify what they enjoy and find ways to pursue their dreams has become a theme for NPower Services. NPower helps special-needs adults build meaningful lives by identifying and finding opportunities including volunteering, music, art, service, fitness, and employment-building skills.

Nclusion and Diversity Statement
NPower Services is committed to finding and creating inclusion opportunities. By embracing neurodiversity and physical differences, we create a kinder, more tolerant world where it is easier for everyone to be themselves. And when we can all be our best selves, everyone is elevated.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any business, getting going was challenging. But, we’ve found a wonderful group of volunteers and experts in their fields: music, athletic training, art, and other crafty initiatives. And – like any nonprofit, finding funding has always been challenging. We survive on grants, donations and our big fundraiser, “A Night of Gratitude.” We’re always looking for partnerships and people who share our vision to help us out.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Personally, I’m a musician. I play piano and sing in the Dueling Piano Dames and I’ve been in bands for decades. I know how much satisfaction and joy come from making music, and I wanted to share that with others – especially folks with disabilities who have musical talent. Starting RockAbility was probably my biggest accomplishment. Our main band has over 20 members – people with disabilities as well as neurotypical mentors. We’ve got an acoustic offshoot band called FolkAbility and we’re now starting yet another full RockAbility band to allow even more people who love making music the opportunity to rock out with their friends.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Tenacity and Flexibility.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.NPowerServices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/npowerservices/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550920872484
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@npowerservices