Brightli Foundation awarded $25,000 Delta Dental of Missouri Grant for Firefly Clients with IDD

Photo: From left, Brightli Foundation grants manager Kevin Douglas, Brightli Foundation Executive Director Kristen Weaver, Firefly COO Ryan Edwards, and Firefly President Celesta Hartgraves. 

The Brightli Foundation was awarded a $25,000 grant from Delta Dental of Missouri to increase access to oral health care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Funding will specifically help provide denture services for clients at Firefly Supported Living and Employment Services in Missouri.

“The true impact of the grant funding received from Delta Dental of Missouri extends far beyond immediate dental treatment,” Firefly President Celesta Hartgraves said. “They are helping build a future where every individual — regardless of ability — enjoys the dignity, comfort, and joy that comes with a healthy smile. We are grateful for the ripple effect their generosity is causing to help empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.”

There is more to the ripple effect than reducing barriers to care and providing the support necessary to improve and maintain optimal oral health outcomes. Good oral health is a key component of a person’s overall physical health and wellness. It even does wonders for their mental health by providing a life-altering confidence boost.

Firefly clients will be able to say goodbye to pain, discomfort and diet limitations, and hello to smiling and laughing without fear. With a newfound sense of confidence and hope, the sky will be the limit as they tackle their goals and become more comfortable with greater socialization, community involvement and opportunities for employment. 

Research shows individuals with IDD are at increased risk of oral health problems such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, damaging oral habits, trauma and injury to the mouth and more. Firefly clients face access barriers to dental care that can also lead to higher rates of risk for serious problems. With the need for denture services being evident for those served, the Firefly team is overjoyed that Delta Dental of Missouri is determined to help.  

“Delta Dental is proud to be leading an oral healthcare movement where our mission is your health,” said Stacy Harris, community impact program manager for Delta Dental of Missouri. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Brightli Foundation to support its life-changing work through our oral health grant program. Together, we can help adults of all abilities receive vital services to improve their oral health and overall well-being.”

About Brightli Foundation:
We are the philanthropic arm of Brightli, the parent company for Burrell Behavioral Health (and subsidiary Comprehensive Mental Health Services), Preferred Family Healthcare, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Firefly, Adult & Child Health and Places for People. Our mission is to support the Brightli system to increase access to high quality community-based healthcare across the Midwest through cultivating collaborative funder relationships.   

About Firefly:
For more than 30 years Firefly Supported Living & Employment Services has been helping people build the life they choose through advocacy, personalized care, education and unwavering belief. Firefly team members dream of a world where ability never limits possibility and are determined do everything that they can to see that be a reality. Learn more at www.fireflyservices.org.