Disabilities Network Hosts Holiday Celebration
Three Rivers Center for Independent Living representative Lester Bennett celebrates the holiday season with three individuals during the holiday get-together yesterday afternoon. Approximately 105 adults with disabilities or senior citizens that receive aid from any of the 15 Link agencies were in attendance.
by Jonathan Weaver
More than 100 adults with disabilities and senior citizens enjoyed an afternoon of crafts, games and karaoke music yesterday at the Armstrong County Link Collaborative Network’s holiday party.
Link Coordinator Kesha Pate said a similar program is to be constructed in each county in the State to ensure federal grant funding. The federal Aging and Disabilities Resource Center within the past 10 years, and Armstrong County’s was established two years ago.
The celebration, held at the meeting room inside the Belmont Complex in East Franklin Township, was a time to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.
“We really try to work on issues for adults with disabilities and seniors in the County – this is one of our outreach, for the adults with disabilities to come in and just have a nice time; a time to relax, their caregivers can relax a little it and let us do some of the work,” Pate said.
Adults were able to make reindeer out of bags and water bottles while eating lunch and cookies made by the Progressive Workshop. Leftover food will be given to HAVIN.
Pate said about 105 individuals signed in and received holiday gift bags and played games, including a spin on the roulette wheel.
“We were really excited with the turnout,” Pate said.
Behavioral and Developmental Health Quality Management Coordinator Shari Montgomery designed the crafts. She worked with Coordinator Randa Dunmire to plan the morning’s events.
“It’s really nice to see people passionate about that and effecting change in the community,” Pate said.
Dunmire appreciated Montgomery’s effort.
“Shari is great at planning these events – she really does have good ideas,” Dunmire said.
Becky Johns was one of several family providers at the party. She currently houses two residents-in-need and said Link greatly helps with assistance.
She said she enjoys working with the residents.
“They’re part of the family. If they wouldn’t be welcome, neither would I,” Johns said. “I love what I do.”
Behavioral and Developmental Health County Administrator Tammy Calderone also supports the collaboration with other service providers.
Among the other providers that attended the event were LifeSteps, the Area Agency on Aging and HAVIN.
The service providers will meet the second Wednesday of each month in 2013 at the Belmont Complex for training and information sharing.
Local News | jweaver December 13, 2012
By my ceecee, December 13, 2012 @ 7:47 AM
Wow this really wasn’t what I thought I would read!!! There were so many there and only one pic!! and not all the groups that attend were not included. You only talked to a few. At least you showed up (after the games & crafts) Not at all what I planned on reading!!1 Really Disapointed. Thanks any way