“Just As I Am” Fashion Show

Partners in Learning’s 30 Year Celebration featuring the 10th Annual Fashion Show

Our 10th Annual Just As I Am Fashion Show will celebrate 30 years of impact and bring our community together in support of children with diverse needs while honoring three decades of impact, inclusion, and growth.

Celebrating Jacob’s Legacy

At Partners In Learning, we cherish the memory of Jacob Usher, a beloved alumni student with Down syndrome who passed away due to a congenital heart defect at the age of seven and left a lasting impact on our hearts. Jacob’s joyful spirit and love for life inspired the creation of the annual Diverse Needs Fashion Show, ”Just As I Am.”

This heartwarming event gives families of children with diverse needs the opportunity to shine on the runway, celebrating their unique qualities and talents. Beyond the runway, the show raises community awareness about developmental disorders and underscores the importance of supporting families in our community.

Purchase Tickets

Join us for an unforgettable evening! Your ticket includes admission to the fashion show, heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, dancing, and a joyful evening celebrating the children, families, and community that have shaped our mission over the past three decades. Come enjoy an inspiring night of fashion, connection, and celebration while supporting the life-changing work of Partners in Learning.

Supporting Our Vision

By supporting this event, you help bring Dr. Shirley P. Ritchie’s legacy to life through our Early Learning Centers. Every dollar raised provides children and families with access to inclusive education, therapy services, adaptive tools, classroom materials, and the support they need to thrive.

Making an Impact

Partners In Learning serves families in and around Rowan County through center, home, and community-based programs. More than 80 students with diverse needs or behavioral concerns benefit from our inclusive, center-based early education program, representing 45% of our enrollment. Additionally, we provide essential family education and support services to over 300 families in a home-based setting in Rowan County, striving to make these critical services as accessible as possible.

In 2024, Partners In Learning proudly hosted the 8th annual “Just As I Am” Fashion Show in Jacob’s honor, continuing our commitment to celebrating diversity, inclusion, and the profound impact of every child.