March 28, 2025 • 28 mins
A magical night under twinkling lights, a dance floor filled with laughter, and the joy of feeling fully included—these are the experiences every high schooler deserves. Yet for many students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, traditional proms can feel overwhelming or unwelcoming.
Meet Greg Shetter, the visionary Behavioral Health Specialist behind Boundless Nights Prom, an extraordinary celebration designed specifically for students with autism and other developmental challenges. "This is the opportunity for students to have a singular event of their high school career that is not only inclusive but designed specifically for them," he explains with infectious enthusiasm. Across 16 Montgomery County high schools, approximately 70 students will finally experience a night where they're not just accommodated—they're centered.
Behind this magical evening stands the Mark Andrew Kreushe Memorial Fund, whose generous grant makes the entire event possible. Suzie Kreushe shares how her foundation emerged from unimaginable loss—the death of her four-year-old son Mark in a boating accident. Rather than surrendering to grief, her family chose to "leave a MARK on children's lives" through grants supporting diverse youth programs. "Everyone deserves to be happy," Suzie affirms. "I don't care what you're going through, we can make someone's life better."
The masquerade-themed prom will transform a gym into a night of wonder, complete with corsages, photo booths, refreshments, and even crowns for each attendee. Beyond creating memories, the event showcases Boundless's expanding programs for teenagers, including socialization skills groups, parent support training, and peer friendship development.
Join us in celebrating this remarkable initiative where every student gets their perfect prom moment. Want to support future inclusive events like this? Contact Greg Shetter at gshetter@iamboundless.org or visit MarkKreushe.com to learn how you can help create more spaces where all young people feel truly included, valued, and celebrated.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Okay, when someone mentions the word prom, it
probably brings back a lot ofmemories for all of us, right?
Some of those memories aregreat, maybe others not so good,
but you know what?
We're going to focus onpositive stories today, because
we've got a really cool event totell you about.
Welcome to Boundless Abilities,a podcast brought to you by
Boundless.
Boundless is the largestnonprofit in Ohio that provides
(00:26):
services to individuals withintellectual and developmental
disabilities and behavioralhealth challenges.
We do it through a lot ofthings residential support,
autism services, primary healthcare, day programs, counseling
and a whole lot more to childrenand adults.
Our mission is to build a worldthat realizes the boundless
potential of all people.
I'm your host, Scott Light.
(00:47):
I've got two great guests today.
Greg Shetter is here.
Greg is a behavioral healthspecialist and creator of
Boundless Nights, and SusieCrush is here.
She's the director of the MarkAndrew Crush Memorial Fund.
Welcome to you both.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Hi there.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Thank you.
I'd like to begin this way,Greg let's start with you and
let's get right to this promtheme, because that's what this
podcast episode is all about.
You're the whole, the braintrust, the brain power behind
Boundless Nights Prom.
Speaker 3 (01:17):
So tell us it is the opportunity for students in the
Montgomery County High Schoolarea to be able to have a
singular event of their highschool career that is not only
inclusive but designedspecifically for those that may
(01:39):
either have a diagnosis ofautism or an intellectual
developmental disabilitydiagnosis as well.
So you mentioned at the startthat sometimes high school or
prom is not a positiveexperience for students, and
this is exactly what it is.
(02:00):
To identify that populationacross the 16 high schools.
Currently, boundless supportsabout 5% of their students, so
it not only gives theopportunity for Boundless to
expand the services that weprovide, but it gives a
stress-free, inclusive event forapproximately 70 students in
(02:24):
these high schools to cometogether with their peers and
have a night that they willabsolutely remember for the rest
of their life and make surethat it is stress-free and
that's pretty much it.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
I love well, stress-free, inclusive and
memorable Boy.
Don't we want all of our daysto be like that?
That is fantastic, greg.
Before I get to Susie, let meask you just news clip of a
young lady in one of oursouthern states.
Speaker 3 (03:08):
I think it was Mississippi that has a diagnosis
of Down syndrome and her seniorclass voted her homecoming
queen, and so it really touchedmy heart.
But then I stumbled across theTim Tebow Foundation that holds
(03:29):
proms for kiddos as well inlocal churches, so it was an
opportunity to get us moreawareness in the Dayton area to
provide additional services tochildren that need it.
But, to your point, mostimportantly, have a night that
these kids will remember.
So I can't take all the credit.
(03:50):
There's a young lady that'sprobably now 19 in Mississippi
that spawned it and it just grewfrom there.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Isn't that great when a spark happens like that
organically and then you're ableto stand up something great
like like a prom.
We're going to tell all of ourlisteners a whole lot more about
this special night coming up,but, susie, you're with me here
in studio on the Boundlesscampus.
Greg's joining us via Zoom.
Tell our listeners about yourfoundation and why you believe
(04:20):
this is such a great cause, sucha great event to help fund.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Our story is a little sad, but we're trying to make a
silver lining out of it.
In 2007, our second born son,mark.
He lost his life in a boatingaccident and he wasn't sick.
There wasn't a seatbelt issue,there wasn't a specific cause
(04:45):
that we could raise money for toin Mark's memory, so we just
started a fund and a year laterwe came up with the idea that we
would help children, becauseMark was four.
He loved everything about beinga boy.
He was energetic, he was lively, he skipped, he just laughed a
lot.
So we wanted to make sure thatwe put smiles on other
(05:07):
children's faces in his honor.
So we started the fund and weraise money every year through a
couple of different fundraisersand we accept applications each
year in the Dayton area and weprovide grants to help children,
and really that's the goal.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
And we try to leave a mark on a child's life, and
that can be in various ways, andprom is a great way to do it.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Yeah, you bet.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
When we heard about this idea from Boundless, we
couldn't say no.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
No.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
Why not provide such a simple event, a dance, which
so many of us take for granted,that our kids go to?
We went to and, yes, sometimesit's not so fun, sometimes it is
fun and they're stressful.
And if we can provide this forthe kiddos at Boundless and let
them have their prom, why not?
(05:59):
It's going to be a great nightfor everyone.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
I love well many things that you said, but when
you said leave a mark on achild's life, that's on your
website and Mark is in all caps.
Of course, in memory of yourson, would you tell our
listeners a little bit moreabout him, about his life, about
his spirit?
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Yeah, Like I said, he is or he was.
He is an energetic, just ahappy kid.
He was always happy very blondehair, fair skinned, and he just
(06:40):
enjoyed life.
We always said he had a zestfor life.
He laughed, he giggled, heloved his friends, loved his
brothers, and he just have endedup loving what his passion
would be.
Would it be sports?
Would it be arts?
What music?
Who knows?
So we try to give to a lot ofdifferent organizations, whether
it be the arts or to helpchildren in need.
Sometimes it's a food issue,sometimes it's tutoring, and
(07:00):
this issue it's prom.
Who knew we would do a prom 15years ago?
Speaker 1 (07:04):
How many grants do you try to reward yearly?
Speaker 2 (07:08):
It is different every year.
We have a board that reviewsthe grants.
This year I think we did 12 to15.
And we've done like almost 160.
That does include somescholarships for graduating
seniors in the area and that isa service-based scholarship, not
(07:28):
academic, because we try topromote that with our youth, to
promote that with our youth.
So we've given to I mean somany different organizations in
the Dayton area it's so hard toeven mention them all, but we
try to do more local things andevents that will affect a lot of
children.
We try to invest in facilitiesor a program that will be
(07:51):
lasting forever.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
Greg, I'm just curious.
I'll go a little off scripthere, but I'd love to ask you
when you hear a story likeMark's and like Susie's and a
family that has obviously takena horrific tragedy and has
brought good to the world, thatbrings a smile on all of our
faces, doesn't it?
Speaker 3 (08:13):
It absolutely does.
And, Susie, my cond it.
It absolutely does.
And you know, Susie, mycondolences to that tragedy.
No parent wants to go throughthat, and the fact that you want
to make a difference in anotherchild's life, it just speaks
volumes to your integrity.
And, Scott, to that point, youknow prom, truthfully, without
(08:35):
this foundation, this grant, wewouldn't be having our prom, and
so this foundation is trulymaking it happen from the ground
up and it's going to put notjust smiles but joy on the faces
of 70 kids in a way thatthey've never experienced before
.
So thank you for that.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Well, you're so welcome.
We are, like I said, thrilledto be part of it.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Well, let's talk about that a little bit.
When we create an experienceand Boundless creates these
experiences of all kinds everysingle day, but where everyone
feels included, valued andcelebrated, I'd love for both of
you you and Greg maybe youstart us off here, but to talk
about those three assets.
That's what we all want, right?
(09:21):
We all want to be included, weall want to be valued and we all
want to be celebrated.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
I'm going to go back to the point that you made
earlier.
High school is typically hardfor all of us to navigate.
It doesn't matter who you are,right, it's an emotional time.
We're learning, we're growing,we don't know what's going on,
we're trying to gainindependence, and so those that
you know may have a diagnosisthat we mentioned earlier.
(09:47):
It can present itself thatexperience in a completely
different way, right?
So the inclusion is theopportunity.
You know, a lot of times in thehigh school environment,
diversity or difference is nottruly embraced, right?
Because as children, you know,we kind of grow up.
(10:09):
We're all the same, we all dothe same things.
That's how we find our niche inhigh school, and so this is an
opportunity to take all thatnoise away from this specific
population and make them feelincluded in a way that they
typically don't get toexperience on a day-to-day basis
(10:30):
, right, because they may be inmainstream classes, they may not
, but this way it's anopportunity that they can turn
to one of the other 69 kids atthis prom and say you're just
like me, and so that is a verypowerful inclusion that a lot of
(10:50):
these kids don't get theopportunity to experience.
That a lot of these kids don'tget the opportunity to
experience Same thing with value, right?
The fact that Suzy's foundationhas laid the foundation no pun
intended for our prom, but thefact that Boundless as a whole,
not just in West Carrollton butin Worthington as well and we've
(11:11):
got folks from other locationsacross the state are saying, hey
, how can I support this?
So the fact that we're willingto do this will make these kids
and their parents and we'vegotten some of that feedback
from the parents already thatyou know what a unique effort
we're doing and how it's goingto make their kids feel valued
(11:32):
and celebrated and, to yourpoint, celebrating.
I don't want to say differences, but the unique assets that
these kids bring.
We are spending months tocelebrate and recognize so that
these kids walk away feeling allthree of those things that they
felt included, they felt valued, and we celebrated every one of
(11:57):
their unique attributes byhaving this prom.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
Hey, Greg, let me follow up this way.
This is also a really good wayto show off some new offerings
from West Carrollton.
What's happening your way?
Speaker 3 (12:10):
So a couple of things .
Part of the problem is we willhave a parent room.
So for the parents that choosenot to drop their kiddos off and
get a little bit of respite bygoing out to dinner with their
significant other shoppingwhatever the case may be we will
have a parent room whereBoundless staff will be
providing what we affectionatelycall swag bags for parents and
(12:34):
the kiddos.
It's a boundless backpack.
It's going to have a boundlesscreated coloring book that
outlines what our programs are.
There's going to be a littlefidget gift in there crayons and
then there will be a two-sidedprogram of what boundless has to
offer for teenagers and kiddosat a program level.
(12:56):
So they'll get to take thataway.
But in preparation for this, weare rolling out here in West
Carrollton some additionalcourses.
We have Boundless Connections,which is either a board game or
role-based group activities forteenagers and children to be
(13:17):
able to not only enhancesocialization skills but also to
be able to enhance emotionalregulation, and so we've got
staff trained across theorganization here in West
Carrollton that have startedconducting some of these group
activities.
We are just this week launchinga parent support training
(13:40):
program.
This is geared specifically toparents and it's based on the
Ruby curriculum, and what thisdoes is it allows us to provide
techniques and training toparents on ways to handle daily
(14:01):
activities, living activities,toiletry.
It allows them to learn how toaddress emotional dysregulation,
how to establish routines tosupport emotional regulation.
And then we also have one thatwe'll be launching about the
same time as PROM.
It is a peer support program.
(14:23):
The non-clinical way to saythis program is at the end of
the 16-week course.
It is where we pair up twochildren together that are of
similar cognition, similarinterests, and it really, at the
end of the day, it really helpsthem establish skills on
(14:47):
developing friendships andsocialization.
So those, in addition to allthe other programs that we have
for younger children andteenagers, those are the three
that we are recently introducing.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Okay, Susie, let's talk about MAC M-A-C-H.
I know that's the acronymthat's often used for the
foundation.
Have you ever funded or helpedfund a prom before we have?
Speaker 2 (15:13):
not Okay.
So this is fun.
We like to put the fun intolife.
Yeah, I've talked about thisbefore and I will talk about
time blue in the face.
We all take so many things forgranted Taking a child to soccer
practice, a child being on asoccer team or whatever team, or
music lessons.
(15:34):
I've learned so much from allthe organizations we've given to
.
We're very diverse.
We have helped kids at theVictory Project.
It's an amazing program forteenagers in Dayton, teenage
(15:54):
Boys.
Bridget's Path is for babiesborn addicted to drugs and it
treats the mothers and thebabies because they're both
addicted when the baby's born.
We've given to the arts.
We've given to ShrinersHospital in Dayton, patients
with cancer parks, girls on therun it could go on and on
Grieving children.
So there's just so many thingsthat we help.
We try to make every child'slife better and I loved what
(16:18):
Greg had said about inclusion.
Everyone deserves to be happy.
I don't care what you're goingthrough.
We can make someone's lifebetter and that's our goal.
We call them silver linings.
My husband always says wedidn't want to join this club of
grieving parents.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
Nobody does.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
No, and if you would have told us the day before,
we'd be there.
You know no way.
So we're here and we call themsilver linings.
I have learned so much from somany people on this path.
It is amazing, and there's somany good people out there.
In a world where sometimes wethink things aren't going so
well, there's a lot of goodthings going on, and this is one
(16:57):
of them, and I applaudBoundless for all they do.
It's not easy every day to comeup with new ideas and make
every day special, and you guysdo a great job of that.
So applause to you.
We're happy to be part.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
Well, I can't imagine how hard it is on your end,
because every grant that comesin your door, in your inbox,
however it comes, or just maybea neighbor saying, hey, susie,
can you support this?
I can't imagine having to cullthrough that list and then say,
you know, let's go with this oneand maybe we can come back to
(17:32):
this one in another year oranother time.
That has got to be really,really hard.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
It is.
Yeah, I'm a yes person, sothat's not good in this position
because I have a board that youknow I call it the business
side.
Like you just can't do it allRight, you can't, but we really
try, we push the envelope.
We probably spend a little bitmore some years than others, but
(17:57):
if the causes are worth it, wedo it.
So we vote on it.
It's a group of people and wediscuss it and sometimes we have
to adjust the budget of what wecan give so that we can give to
everyone.
Speaker 1 (18:05):
Remind me if you would to ask a little bit more
of a personal question in thisrespect.
When you lose a loved one, Ipersonally really don't like the
word closure, because I don'tthink there's ever closure in
that definition of the word.
Is this work cathartic for you?
Speaker 2 (18:24):
Absolutely.
I spent a lot of time I'm goingto be honest in therapy right
afterwards.
I was a mom of three other boysat that time and needed to be a
mom, but I also needed togrieve.
So I took some time and tookcare of myself and no, it's not
over, but we're in a good placeand this is a lot of it.
(18:44):
I would suggest that to anyonegoing through grief get help,
reach out, find something thatdoes make you happy and do
something in memory of your lostone, whether it be going to a
park and just thinking aboutthem.
It doesn't have to be big, itdoesn't have to be small, it can
be whatever you decide, butdon't push it aside because it
(19:09):
will eat at you.
And we you know Mark is in ourlife.
We had a son like six.
Well, about a year after Markpassed away, we had our fourth
son and he knows Mark Not really, but he does so because Mark's
around.
You know, he knows Mark'sfavorite dinner.
He knows, you know what Markliked to do sports wise or where
(19:31):
, who his friends were.
So he knows.
Yeah, that golden blonde hairtoo, talking about him in the
pictures in our house.
You know, I mean 50 years agosomebody died.
You never mentioned their nameagain.
Right, Right, that's newcounseling and there's a lot of
good help out there.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
We talk about this a lot on really a lot of our
episodes therapy, seeking acounselor, seeking a
professional that is a sign ofstrength and we still look at
that.
There's still so much stigmaaround that is.
You know, people think that'sweak and it's just the opposite.
It is a sign of strength toyour point.
So I love it that you mentionedthat.
Another thing that we alwayssay on these episodes self-care
(20:09):
is not selfish, because you'vegot to refill your own bucket
before you can share it withothers, Right, yes, definitely.
Fill your own bucket before youcan share it with others, right
?
Yes, definitely, Greg.
Okay, I'm going to put on abusiness hat here and ask this
this sounds like a great modelthat can be replicated.
Are we already talking aboutthat, Maybe, even though the
(20:29):
first one is yet to launch?
But wow, I just think we couldtake this, maybe statewide.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
You know, scott, that's a really great statement.
I have to say that Susie andthe foundation have set the bar
really high with that grant.
But the vision to your point is, if we are successful this year
with our 70 kiddos, then wewill seek reapproval next year
(20:55):
for West Carrollton and the planwill be to add an additional
site with the goal of makingthis a boundless program across
all locations in the very nearfuture.
So I'm tracking that to ensurethat this year is a huge success
so we can replicate that nextyear.
Speaker 1 (21:15):
Well, that would be fantastic.
Let's talk about the eventthat's coming up.
Let's talk about the prom.
It's going to be in a gym whereso many proms are.
So, greg, tell us about that.
And what's the theme for thenight?
Speaker 3 (21:28):
So we are fortunate, in this location we do have a
gym and it pretty much mirrors ahigh school gym, and that's
what we're trying to accomplishfor these kiddos right Is to
give them that inclusive, valued, celebratory high school
experience, and so you know itwill have traditional
(21:50):
decorations.
We have a photo booth.
They'll get their prom picturetaken.
Each guest will enter, andwe've got some high school
volunteers that are makingcorsages and boutonnieres that
each guest will get upon arrival.
Upon entrance, each one willget the choice of their own prom
king or princess tiara thatthey can wear throughout the
(22:13):
night.
We have a DJ that will bejoining us and typical punch
refreshments for the kiddos, andthen we are adding activities
which center around the theme.
So, even though it's boundlessnights right, because we want it
to be the possibility andpotential for all these kids to
(22:35):
be inclusive, we do have amasquerade theme, several
activities for the kids of voice.
One will be to make their ownmasquerade masks that they can
wear throughout the evening aswell.
Speaker 1 (22:47):
And is it free to attend?
Speaker 3 (22:49):
Through the generous grant that we have gotten from
the Mark Crush Foundation.
It is 100% free that is justterrific, susie.
Speaker 1 (23:00):
if people want to well get involved and find you,
where's the best place to findout more about the foundation
and to get involved with you?
Speaker 2 (23:09):
Okay, there are multiple places we are on social
media Facebook, instagram andLinkedIn.
They're a little bit, all ofthem are a little different, but
the Instagram is the Mac Fund,facebook's Mark A Krush Memorial
Fund, so is LinkedIn, and ourwebsite is markkrushcom.
One word.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
What do you need?
All nonprofits need funding.
But many nonprofits will comehere in our studio and they'll
say you know what?
We need?
Volunteers, or maybe we needsome board members.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
But just broadly what do you need?
Funding is always awesome, butthis year we're having a 5K.
We have a high school group ofambassadors we call them from
six different high schools inthe Dayton area and they are
planning this 5k on April 25th,the night before prom.
So, um, and all the money thatthey raise goes to scholarships
(24:04):
for high school seniors.
We think of it kind of fitting.
So come, support that.
We don't have a lot ofvolunteer opportunities, but if
you would like to volunteer atthe 5k, you know, go to our
website, you can.
There's a contact link thereRight now.
That's it.
And you can also donate onlinefor all of our organizations all
(24:25):
the organizations we give to.
It's a perpetual fund, so onceyou're part of our family,
you're always part of it.
Speaker 1 (24:28):
You're in the family.
That's great.
Greg, similarly to you, doesfor prom night.
Do you?
Do you need more chaperones?
Do you need more volunteers?
What do you need?
Speaker 3 (24:37):
The community outside of Boundless, as well as
internal to Boundless, hasreally embraced this effort.
I mentioned the high schoolkids that are volunteering to
make the boutonnieres and thecorsages, boutonnieres and
(25:00):
corsages.
We have a huge contingent ofvolunteers that are coming
Friday before prom to set up thegym.
That's a local company that hasvolunteered their time.
And then internally, yes, we doneed internal boundless staff
to volunteer to support it.
We've got just a couple rolesto fill but, as I mentioned
(25:24):
earlier, liberty CenterWorthington and folks in the
other locations have reallyembraced it.
Speaker 1 (25:26):
But we can always use additional support the night of
, and if someone's listening andthey're like, I want to provide
that support.
What's the best place, best wayto get in touch with you, Greg?
Speaker 3 (25:37):
To provide that support.
They can reach out to methrough support.
What's the best place, the bestway to get in touch with you,
Greg, To provide that support?
They can reach out to methrough email that's the
absolute easiest way in gshedder, at iamboundlessorg, and then,
depending on what the request isinternal, external, support,
volunteering or just getting anRSVP the night of I can get them
in touch with the right areaExcellent.
Speaker 1 (25:59):
Let's wrap our conversation this way we are all
about the boundless potentialof all people.
So at the end of this night, onprom night, what do you hope
people say about this event?
Speaker 2 (26:12):
I would hope that everyone involved the children,
teenagers attending, thevolunteers, the employee and
staff of Boundless walk awayhappy that's all you want With a
tune in their head, thinkinghow they had fun.
They have their mask on andthey're just happy.
Speaker 3 (26:29):
For me, it's not so much a statement, it's more of a
feeling right.
So for these 70 kids that arecoming for them to three months
down the road still be talkingabout the night they have right,
because that feeling carriesfor them internally.
(26:49):
It's the feeling for all of usthat are providing that support,
and our volunteers, along withSusie and her foundation, to
feel that we hit those threethings.
It was inclusive, we made thesekids feel valued and we
celebrated these kids and usbeing able to walk away
specifically from a balancedperspective, that we truly
(27:13):
inspired the potential of notonly these 70 kids but everyone
that had a part in this process.
Speaker 1 (27:20):
This is going to be a great night and it is great
that we've got this episodewhere we can get the word out
just a little bit early.
Greg, thanks for everythingthat you are doing out there,
not just for this night, buteverything that you're doing
region-wide, as you know.
It is making a difference, sothank you, sir.
Speaker 3 (27:38):
No, thank you.
And Susie, thank you again forthe generous donation.
As I stated earlier, you didn'tchoose it, but you are making a
positive difference out of ahorrific situation and,
truthfully, april 26th could nothappen without your generosity.
So thank you.
Speaker 2 (27:56):
No, you are so kind, your words are kind.
It means a lot.
We're just happy to be a partof it and see that you guys can
fulfill this little dream ofyours.
So one of many.
Speaker 1 (28:06):
Susie, where can people go to find out more about
the foundation?
Your website, our website isgreat.
Speaker 2 (28:11):
It's Mark's name.
One word Mark Krush.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
K-R-E-U-S-C-Hcom.
Again, thank you both for beinghere to our listeners.
Thank you as well.
You can be part of futureepisodes too.
You can email us your questionsor comments anytime at podcast
at Iamboundlessorg.
This is Boundless Abilitiesbrought to you by Boundless
Abilities brought to you byBoundless.
Okay, when someone mentions the word prom, it
probably brings back a lot ofmemories for all of us, right?
Some of those memories aregreat, maybe others not so good,
but you know what?
We're going to focus onpositive stories today, because
we've got a really cool event totell you about.
Welcome to Boundless Abilities,a podcast brought to you by
Boundless.
Boundless is the largestnonprofit in Ohio that provides
(00:26):
services to individuals withintellectual and developmental
disabilities and behavioralhealth challenges.
We do it through a lot ofthings residential support,
autism services, primary healthcare, day programs, counseling
and a whole lot more to childrenand adults.
Our mission is to build a worldthat realizes the boundless
potential of all people.
I'm your host, Scott Light.
(00:47):
I've got two great guests today.
Greg Shetter is here.
Greg is a behavioral healthspecialist and creator of
Boundless Nights, and SusieCrush is here.
She's the director of the MarkAndrew Crush Memorial Fund.
Welcome to you both.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Hi there.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Thank you.
I'd like to begin this way,Greg let's start with you and
let's get right to this promtheme, because that's what this
podcast episode is all about.
You're the whole, the braintrust, the brain power behind
Boundless Nights Prom.
Speaker 3 (01:17):
So tell us it is the opportunity for students in the
Montgomery County High Schoolarea to be able to have a
singular event of their highschool career that is not only
inclusive but designedspecifically for those that may
(01:39):
either have a diagnosis ofautism or an intellectual
developmental disabilitydiagnosis as well.
So you mentioned at the startthat sometimes high school or
prom is not a positiveexperience for students, and
this is exactly what it is.
(02:00):
To identify that populationacross the 16 high schools.
Currently, boundless supportsabout 5% of their students, so
it not only gives theopportunity for Boundless to
expand the services that weprovide, but it gives a
stress-free, inclusive event forapproximately 70 students in
(02:24):
these high schools to cometogether with their peers and
have a night that they willabsolutely remember for the rest
of their life and make surethat it is stress-free and
that's pretty much it.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
I love well, stress-free, inclusive and
memorable Boy.
Don't we want all of our daysto be like that?
That is fantastic, greg.
Before I get to Susie, let meask you just news clip of a
young lady in one of oursouthern states.
Speaker 3 (03:08):
I think it was Mississippi that has a diagnosis
of Down syndrome and her seniorclass voted her homecoming
queen, and so it really touchedmy heart.
But then I stumbled across theTim Tebow Foundation that holds
(03:29):
proms for kiddos as well inlocal churches, so it was an
opportunity to get us moreawareness in the Dayton area to
provide additional services tochildren that need it.
But, to your point, mostimportantly, have a night that
these kids will remember.
So I can't take all the credit.
(03:50):
There's a young lady that'sprobably now 19 in Mississippi
that spawned it and it just grewfrom there.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Isn't that great when a spark happens like that
organically and then you're ableto stand up something great
like like a prom.
We're going to tell all of ourlisteners a whole lot more about
this special night coming up,but, susie, you're with me here
in studio on the Boundlesscampus.
Greg's joining us via Zoom.
Tell our listeners about yourfoundation and why you believe
(04:20):
this is such a great cause, sucha great event to help fund.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Our story is a little sad, but we're trying to make a
silver lining out of it.
In 2007, our second born son,mark.
He lost his life in a boatingaccident and he wasn't sick.
There wasn't a seatbelt issue,there wasn't a specific cause
(04:45):
that we could raise money for toin Mark's memory, so we just
started a fund and a year laterwe came up with the idea that we
would help children, becauseMark was four.
He loved everything about beinga boy.
He was energetic, he was lively, he skipped, he just laughed a
lot.
So we wanted to make sure thatwe put smiles on other
(05:07):
children's faces in his honor.
So we started the fund and weraise money every year through a
couple of different fundraisersand we accept applications each
year in the Dayton area and weprovide grants to help children,
and really that's the goal.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
And we try to leave a mark on a child's life, and
that can be in various ways, andprom is a great way to do it.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Yeah, you bet.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
When we heard about this idea from Boundless, we
couldn't say no.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
No.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
Why not provide such a simple event, a dance, which
so many of us take for granted,that our kids go to?
We went to and, yes, sometimesit's not so fun, sometimes it is
fun and they're stressful.
And if we can provide this forthe kiddos at Boundless and let
them have their prom, why not?
(05:59):
It's going to be a great nightfor everyone.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
I love well many things that you said, but when
you said leave a mark on achild's life, that's on your
website and Mark is in all caps.
Of course, in memory of yourson, would you tell our
listeners a little bit moreabout him, about his life, about
his spirit?
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Yeah, Like I said, he is or he was.
He is an energetic, just ahappy kid.
He was always happy very blondehair, fair skinned, and he just
(06:40):
enjoyed life.
We always said he had a zestfor life.
He laughed, he giggled, heloved his friends, loved his
brothers, and he just have endedup loving what his passion
would be.
Would it be sports?
Would it be arts?
What music?
Who knows?
So we try to give to a lot ofdifferent organizations, whether
it be the arts or to helpchildren in need.
Sometimes it's a food issue,sometimes it's tutoring, and
(07:00):
this issue it's prom.
Who knew we would do a prom 15years ago?
Speaker 1 (07:04):
How many grants do you try to reward yearly?
Speaker 2 (07:08):
It is different every year.
We have a board that reviewsthe grants.
This year I think we did 12 to15.
And we've done like almost 160.
That does include somescholarships for graduating
seniors in the area and that isa service-based scholarship, not
(07:28):
academic, because we try topromote that with our youth, to
promote that with our youth.
So we've given to I mean somany different organizations in
the Dayton area it's so hard toeven mention them all, but we
try to do more local things andevents that will affect a lot of
children.
We try to invest in facilitiesor a program that will be
(07:51):
lasting forever.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
Greg, I'm just curious.
I'll go a little off scripthere, but I'd love to ask you
when you hear a story likeMark's and like Susie's and a
family that has obviously takena horrific tragedy and has
brought good to the world, thatbrings a smile on all of our
faces, doesn't it?
Speaker 3 (08:13):
It absolutely does.
And, Susie, my cond it.
It absolutely does.
And you know, Susie, mycondolences to that tragedy.
No parent wants to go throughthat, and the fact that you want
to make a difference in anotherchild's life, it just speaks
volumes to your integrity.
And, Scott, to that point, youknow prom, truthfully, without
(08:35):
this foundation, this grant, wewouldn't be having our prom, and
so this foundation is trulymaking it happen from the ground
up and it's going to put notjust smiles but joy on the faces
of 70 kids in a way thatthey've never experienced before
.
So thank you for that.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Well, you're so welcome.
We are, like I said, thrilledto be part of it.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Well, let's talk about that a little bit.
When we create an experienceand Boundless creates these
experiences of all kinds everysingle day, but where everyone
feels included, valued andcelebrated, I'd love for both of
you you and Greg maybe youstart us off here, but to talk
about those three assets.
That's what we all want, right?
(09:21):
We all want to be included, weall want to be valued and we all
want to be celebrated.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
I'm going to go back to the point that you made
earlier.
High school is typically hardfor all of us to navigate.
It doesn't matter who you are,right, it's an emotional time.
We're learning, we're growing,we don't know what's going on,
we're trying to gainindependence, and so those that
you know may have a diagnosisthat we mentioned earlier.
(09:47):
It can present itself thatexperience in a completely
different way, right?
So the inclusion is theopportunity.
You know, a lot of times in thehigh school environment,
diversity or difference is nottruly embraced, right?
Because as children, you know,we kind of grow up.
(10:09):
We're all the same, we all dothe same things.
That's how we find our niche inhigh school, and so this is an
opportunity to take all thatnoise away from this specific
population and make them feelincluded in a way that they
typically don't get toexperience on a day-to-day basis
(10:30):
, right, because they may be inmainstream classes, they may not
, but this way it's anopportunity that they can turn
to one of the other 69 kids atthis prom and say you're just
like me, and so that is a verypowerful inclusion that a lot of
(10:50):
these kids don't get theopportunity to experience.
That a lot of these kids don'tget the opportunity to
experience Same thing with value, right?
The fact that Suzy's foundationhas laid the foundation no pun
intended for our prom, but thefact that Boundless as a whole,
not just in West Carrollton butin Worthington as well and we've
(11:11):
got folks from other locationsacross the state are saying, hey
, how can I support this?
So the fact that we're willingto do this will make these kids
and their parents and we'vegotten some of that feedback
from the parents already thatyou know what a unique effort
we're doing and how it's goingto make their kids feel valued
(11:32):
and celebrated and, to yourpoint, celebrating.
I don't want to say differences, but the unique assets that
these kids bring.
We are spending months tocelebrate and recognize so that
these kids walk away feeling allthree of those things that they
felt included, they felt valued, and we celebrated every one of
(11:57):
their unique attributes byhaving this prom.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
Hey, Greg, let me follow up this way.
This is also a really good wayto show off some new offerings
from West Carrollton.
What's happening your way?
Speaker 3 (12:10):
So a couple of things .
Part of the problem is we willhave a parent room.
So for the parents that choosenot to drop their kiddos off and
get a little bit of respite bygoing out to dinner with their
significant other shoppingwhatever the case may be we will
have a parent room whereBoundless staff will be
providing what we affectionatelycall swag bags for parents and
(12:34):
the kiddos.
It's a boundless backpack.
It's going to have a boundlesscreated coloring book that
outlines what our programs are.
There's going to be a littlefidget gift in there crayons and
then there will be a two-sidedprogram of what boundless has to
offer for teenagers and kiddosat a program level.
(12:56):
So they'll get to take thataway.
But in preparation for this, weare rolling out here in West
Carrollton some additionalcourses.
We have Boundless Connections,which is either a board game or
role-based group activities forteenagers and children to be
(13:17):
able to not only enhancesocialization skills but also to
be able to enhance emotionalregulation, and so we've got
staff trained across theorganization here in West
Carrollton that have startedconducting some of these group
activities.
We are just this week launchinga parent support training
(13:40):
program.
This is geared specifically toparents and it's based on the
Ruby curriculum, and what thisdoes is it allows us to provide
techniques and training toparents on ways to handle daily
(14:01):
activities, living activities,toiletry.
It allows them to learn how toaddress emotional dysregulation,
how to establish routines tosupport emotional regulation.
And then we also have one thatwe'll be launching about the
same time as PROM.
It is a peer support program.
(14:23):
The non-clinical way to saythis program is at the end of
the 16-week course.
It is where we pair up twochildren together that are of
similar cognition, similarinterests, and it really, at the
end of the day, it really helpsthem establish skills on
(14:47):
developing friendships andsocialization.
So those, in addition to allthe other programs that we have
for younger children andteenagers, those are the three
that we are recently introducing.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Okay, Susie, let's talk about MAC M-A-C-H.
I know that's the acronymthat's often used for the
foundation.
Have you ever funded or helpedfund a prom before we have?
Speaker 2 (15:13):
not Okay.
So this is fun.
We like to put the fun intolife.
Yeah, I've talked about thisbefore and I will talk about
time blue in the face.
We all take so many things forgranted Taking a child to soccer
practice, a child being on asoccer team or whatever team, or
music lessons.
(15:34):
I've learned so much from allthe organizations we've given to
.
We're very diverse.
We have helped kids at theVictory Project.
It's an amazing program forteenagers in Dayton, teenage
(15:54):
Boys.
Bridget's Path is for babiesborn addicted to drugs and it
treats the mothers and thebabies because they're both
addicted when the baby's born.
We've given to the arts.
We've given to ShrinersHospital in Dayton, patients
with cancer parks, girls on therun it could go on and on
Grieving children.
So there's just so many thingsthat we help.
We try to make every child'slife better and I loved what
(16:18):
Greg had said about inclusion.
Everyone deserves to be happy.
I don't care what you're goingthrough.
We can make someone's lifebetter and that's our goal.
We call them silver linings.
My husband always says wedidn't want to join this club of
grieving parents.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
Nobody does.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
No, and if you would have told us the day before,
we'd be there.
You know no way.
So we're here and we call themsilver linings.
I have learned so much from somany people on this path.
It is amazing, and there's somany good people out there.
In a world where sometimes wethink things aren't going so
well, there's a lot of goodthings going on, and this is one
(16:57):
of them, and I applaudBoundless for all they do.
It's not easy every day to comeup with new ideas and make
every day special, and you guysdo a great job of that.
So applause to you.
We're happy to be part.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
Well, I can't imagine how hard it is on your end,
because every grant that comesin your door, in your inbox,
however it comes, or just maybea neighbor saying, hey, susie,
can you support this?
I can't imagine having to cullthrough that list and then say,
you know, let's go with this oneand maybe we can come back to
(17:32):
this one in another year oranother time.
That has got to be really,really hard.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
It is.
Yeah, I'm a yes person, sothat's not good in this position
because I have a board that youknow I call it the business
side.
Like you just can't do it allRight, you can't, but we really
try, we push the envelope.
We probably spend a little bitmore some years than others, but
(17:57):
if the causes are worth it, wedo it.
So we vote on it.
It's a group of people and wediscuss it and sometimes we have
to adjust the budget of what wecan give so that we can give to
everyone.
Speaker 1 (18:05):
Remind me if you would to ask a little bit more
of a personal question in thisrespect.
When you lose a loved one, Ipersonally really don't like the
word closure, because I don'tthink there's ever closure in
that definition of the word.
Is this work cathartic for you?
Speaker 2 (18:24):
Absolutely.
I spent a lot of time I'm goingto be honest in therapy right
afterwards.
I was a mom of three other boysat that time and needed to be a
mom, but I also needed togrieve.
So I took some time and tookcare of myself and no, it's not
over, but we're in a good placeand this is a lot of it.
(18:44):
I would suggest that to anyonegoing through grief get help,
reach out, find something thatdoes make you happy and do
something in memory of your lostone, whether it be going to a
park and just thinking aboutthem.
It doesn't have to be big, itdoesn't have to be small, it can
be whatever you decide, butdon't push it aside because it
(19:09):
will eat at you.
And we you know Mark is in ourlife.
We had a son like six.
Well, about a year after Markpassed away, we had our fourth
son and he knows Mark Not really, but he does so because Mark's
around.
You know, he knows Mark'sfavorite dinner.
He knows, you know what Markliked to do sports wise or where
(19:31):
, who his friends were.
So he knows.
Yeah, that golden blonde hairtoo, talking about him in the
pictures in our house.
You know, I mean 50 years agosomebody died.
You never mentioned their nameagain.
Right, Right, that's newcounseling and there's a lot of
good help out there.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
We talk about this a lot on really a lot of our
episodes therapy, seeking acounselor, seeking a
professional that is a sign ofstrength and we still look at
that.
There's still so much stigmaaround that is.
You know, people think that'sweak and it's just the opposite.
It is a sign of strength toyour point.
So I love it that you mentionedthat.
Another thing that we alwayssay on these episodes self-care
(20:09):
is not selfish, because you'vegot to refill your own bucket
before you can share it withothers, Right, yes, definitely.
Fill your own bucket before youcan share it with others, right
?
Yes, definitely, Greg.
Okay, I'm going to put on abusiness hat here and ask this
this sounds like a great modelthat can be replicated.
Are we already talking aboutthat, Maybe, even though the
(20:29):
first one is yet to launch?
But wow, I just think we couldtake this, maybe statewide.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
You know, scott, that's a really great statement.
I have to say that Susie andthe foundation have set the bar
really high with that grant.
But the vision to your point is, if we are successful this year
with our 70 kiddos, then wewill seek reapproval next year
(20:55):
for West Carrollton and the planwill be to add an additional
site with the goal of makingthis a boundless program across
all locations in the very nearfuture.
So I'm tracking that to ensurethat this year is a huge success
so we can replicate that nextyear.
Speaker 1 (21:15):
Well, that would be fantastic.
Let's talk about the eventthat's coming up.
Let's talk about the prom.
It's going to be in a gym whereso many proms are.
So, greg, tell us about that.
And what's the theme for thenight?
Speaker 3 (21:28):
So we are fortunate, in this location we do have a
gym and it pretty much mirrors ahigh school gym, and that's
what we're trying to accomplishfor these kiddos right Is to
give them that inclusive, valued, celebratory high school
experience, and so you know itwill have traditional
(21:50):
decorations.
We have a photo booth.
They'll get their prom picturetaken.
Each guest will enter, andwe've got some high school
volunteers that are makingcorsages and boutonnieres that
each guest will get upon arrival.
Upon entrance, each one willget the choice of their own prom
king or princess tiara thatthey can wear throughout the
(22:13):
night.
We have a DJ that will bejoining us and typical punch
refreshments for the kiddos, andthen we are adding activities
which center around the theme.
So, even though it's boundlessnights right, because we want it
to be the possibility andpotential for all these kids to
(22:35):
be inclusive, we do have amasquerade theme, several
activities for the kids of voice.
One will be to make their ownmasquerade masks that they can
wear throughout the evening aswell.
Speaker 1 (22:47):
And is it free to attend?
Speaker 3 (22:49):
Through the generous grant that we have gotten from
the Mark Crush Foundation.
It is 100% free that is justterrific, susie.
Speaker 1 (23:00):
if people want to well get involved and find you,
where's the best place to findout more about the foundation
and to get involved with you?
Speaker 2 (23:09):
Okay, there are multiple places we are on social
media Facebook, instagram andLinkedIn.
They're a little bit, all ofthem are a little different, but
the Instagram is the Mac Fund,facebook's Mark A Krush Memorial
Fund, so is LinkedIn, and ourwebsite is markkrushcom.
One word.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
What do you need?
All nonprofits need funding.
But many nonprofits will comehere in our studio and they'll
say you know what?
We need?
Volunteers, or maybe we needsome board members.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
But just broadly what do you need?
Funding is always awesome, butthis year we're having a 5K.
We have a high school group ofambassadors we call them from
six different high schools inthe Dayton area and they are
planning this 5k on April 25th,the night before prom.
So, um, and all the money thatthey raise goes to scholarships
(24:04):
for high school seniors.
We think of it kind of fitting.
So come, support that.
We don't have a lot ofvolunteer opportunities, but if
you would like to volunteer atthe 5k, you know, go to our
website, you can.
There's a contact link thereRight now.
That's it.
And you can also donate onlinefor all of our organizations all
(24:25):
the organizations we give to.
It's a perpetual fund, so onceyou're part of our family,
you're always part of it.
Speaker 1 (24:28):
You're in the family.
That's great.
Greg, similarly to you, doesfor prom night.
Do you?
Do you need more chaperones?
Do you need more volunteers?
What do you need?
Speaker 3 (24:37):
The community outside of Boundless, as well as
internal to Boundless, hasreally embraced this effort.
I mentioned the high schoolkids that are volunteering to
make the boutonnieres and thecorsages, boutonnieres and
(25:00):
corsages.
We have a huge contingent ofvolunteers that are coming
Friday before prom to set up thegym.
That's a local company that hasvolunteered their time.
And then internally, yes, we doneed internal boundless staff
to volunteer to support it.
We've got just a couple rolesto fill but, as I mentioned
(25:24):
earlier, liberty CenterWorthington and folks in the
other locations have reallyembraced it.
Speaker 1 (25:26):
But we can always use additional support the night of
, and if someone's listening andthey're like, I want to provide
that support.
What's the best place, best wayto get in touch with you, Greg?
Speaker 3 (25:37):
To provide that support.
They can reach out to methrough support.
What's the best place, the bestway to get in touch with you,
Greg, To provide that support?
They can reach out to methrough email that's the
absolute easiest way in gshedder, at iamboundlessorg, and then,
depending on what the request isinternal, external, support,
volunteering or just getting anRSVP the night of I can get them
in touch with the right areaExcellent.
Speaker 1 (25:59):
Let's wrap our conversation this way we are all
about the boundless potentialof all people.
So at the end of this night, onprom night, what do you hope
people say about this event?
Speaker 2 (26:12):
I would hope that everyone involved the children,
teenagers attending, thevolunteers, the employee and
staff of Boundless walk awayhappy that's all you want With a
tune in their head, thinkinghow they had fun.
They have their mask on andthey're just happy.
Speaker 3 (26:29):
For me, it's not so much a statement, it's more of a
feeling right.
So for these 70 kids that arecoming for them to three months
down the road still be talkingabout the night they have right,
because that feeling carriesfor them internally.
(26:49):
It's the feeling for all of usthat are providing that support,
and our volunteers, along withSusie and her foundation, to
feel that we hit those threethings.
It was inclusive, we made thesekids feel valued and we
celebrated these kids and usbeing able to walk away
specifically from a balancedperspective, that we truly
(27:13):
inspired the potential of notonly these 70 kids but everyone
that had a part in this process.
Speaker 1 (27:20):
This is going to be a great night and it is great
that we've got this episodewhere we can get the word out
just a little bit early.
Greg, thanks for everythingthat you are doing out there,
not just for this night, buteverything that you're doing
region-wide, as you know.
It is making a difference, sothank you, sir.
Speaker 3 (27:38):
No, thank you.
And Susie, thank you again forthe generous donation.
As I stated earlier, you didn'tchoose it, but you are making a
positive difference out of ahorrific situation and,
truthfully, april 26th could nothappen without your generosity.
So thank you.
Speaker 2 (27:56):
No, you are so kind, your words are kind.
It means a lot.
We're just happy to be a partof it and see that you guys can
fulfill this little dream ofyours.
So one of many.
Speaker 1 (28:06):
Susie, where can people go to find out more about
the foundation?
Your website, our website isgreat.
Speaker 2 (28:11):
It's Mark's name.
One word Mark Krush.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
K-R-E-U-S-C-Hcom.
Again, thank you both for beinghere to our listeners.
Thank you as well.
You can be part of futureepisodes too.
You can email us your questionsor comments anytime at podcast
at Iamboundlessorg.
This is Boundless Abilitiesbrought to you by Boundless
Abilities brought to you byBoundless.
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