A local organization that serves adults with developmental disabilities is expanding its model and looking to invite the community into its space.
Community Connections Inc. is now offering their building on Pine Street for free to community events and classes with the caveat that their clients can participate also for free.
In the same way, programs held by Community Connections such as photography club and Monday night football will be open to the community, said Adult Services director Marcy Cummins.
Cummins says she hopes that the change to the organization’s Supportive Living Services will help the clients and the community connect naturally.
“People with developmental disabilities are like the last remaining outsiders, so community connections’ purpose is for them not to be,” she said.
So far, a coffee and music jam night and a Tai Chi class are potential activities that may become part of a schedule that the nonprofit’s managers are building based on client and community interest.
The change is driven by Cummins’ belief that clients should decide what they want in life and that care staff can help them pursue it.
“They want the same things you and I want: They want a family, they want an intimate relationship, they want a job that is meaningful,” she said.
Many times helping clients pursue goals can mean the staff setting up small achievable goals for them such as exercising more or getting up on time.
“I don’t want our clients to be static,” Cummins said.
To help create more space in the Pine Street building the agency moved their administrative offices to North Street. The building offers computer labs, a kitchen and open space that could be used for exercise classes.
Cummins’ program also expanded by 10 clients locally because the state allocated more money to fund individuals who have been on a wait list. The program now serves 22 people.
However, the Supported Living Services is still underfunded because the state only funds about 80 percent of the total cost, which is why local contributions are necessary, said Julie Dreyfuss, president and CEO of Community Connections.
Community Connections serves 150 adults in five counties who need a variety of residential, educational and supportive living services.
For more info 565-9419.