Why I Give: LightKeepers Share What Inspires Their Monthly Support

Monthly donors reflect on what moves them to give and how their support helps people with developmental disabilities thrive.

At AbleLight, our LightKeepers are more than just monthly donors. They are a deeply valued part of our community, providing steady and dependable support that helps people with developmental disabilities live full and meaningful lives.   

Monthly gifts bring something powerful to the individuals and families we support: consistency. This consistency allows us to empower people with developmental disabilities through life’s transitions, celebrate their milestones, and provide the everyday support they can rely on.  

Each LightKeeper has a story and a reason for giving. Here are a few of the voices that inspire us:

Nathan Erb

Grew up in Watertown, WI

“I grew up near to where AbleLight began it all, and have supported the mission for many years. Their nationwide commitment to serving developmentally disabled adults, particularly in reducing institutionalism through individual and shared housing, is able to give those in need a better and happier life.”

John Carreon

Chief Advancement Officer
at AbleLight

“Regardless of any one person’s physical or mental disposition, I believe they deserve the opportunity to live a life they desire.  By being a part of AbleLight’s Lightkeepers giving club, I am expressing my commitment to this belief by being a small part of providing them the opportunities to live a life that is full of opportunities to engage and be a part of their communities

John & Donna Zeitler

Parents of child with
developmental disabilities

“We have been involved with Ablelight/Bethesda for over 40 years and have seen the excellent loving Christian care they have always provided for people with special needs as well as for our daughter who has profound disabilities. Our monthly gift is a both a way of saying “thank you” as well as an attempt to help them continue to provide the level of care through which so many people have been blessed”

These reflections remind us that giving is not just about generosity. It is about shared value, lasting commitment, and the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, supported, and loved.  

To welcome new LightKeepers to the community, Nicole, a supported individual who works at AbleLight Thrift Shops, is creating handmade bracelets as a thank-you gift. Nicole has been part of the AbleLight Thrift Shop family for nearly 20 years and shares her creativity and joy through every bracelet she makes.  

New monthly donors who begin their gift before August 1st will receive a bracelet as a token of appreciation. Existing LightKeepers who increase their monthly gift before August 1^st will also receive a bracelet.  

If you are already a LightKeeper, thank you. Your ongoing support is changing lives every day.

Learn more about monthly giving and becoming a LightKeeper. 

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About AbleLight 

AbleLight is a nonprofit, national leader in providing life-changing services that empower people with developmental disabilities to thrive. Guided by Christian love and a 120+ year commitment to our mission, we provide individualized support that promotes independence and inclusion, enabling people to flourish in their communities. AbleLight’s programs ensure safe housing, reduce isolation, support employment goals, and promote health and wellness.