Community Integration
Triumphs occur every day because of our Community Integration Program. Based at the ACT facility, the program brings together individuals with disabilities who enjoy each day learning, socializing, and interacting with the community.
Many learn individually at computers. Others work on improving personal, self-help and social skills. Staff members match the proper challenges for each individual. Interaction, care and concern are constants in the “Day Program” as it is known by all participants.
The atmosphere is upbeat and busy while completing crafts, delivering Meals on Wheels, bowling, taking trips throughout the community or touring neighboring towns.
MEALS ON WHEELS
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Sharing warm smiles and warm food with the home-bound and elderly in Columbia. |
For eight years ACT has reached out to the community through Meals on Wheels. In fact, “it’s one of the first community outings we had for the day program,” says Steve Terrell. Today, summer trips to neighboring towns, shopping trips and many other activities are part of the Day Program. But there’s something special with the Meals on Wheels effort. ACT participants like Joe, Bryan, Jenny and Danny take the work seriously and gain satisfaction knowing they’re helping others.
On one particular delivery day Bryan and Day Program staff member Ed Ricciotti head to the Truman Veterans Administration Medical Center, the headquarters where meals are prepared and distributed. At every point along the way, Bryan greets other volunteers who know him from his weekly visits. Soon the meals are ready and packed by Bryan into a large cooler.
The meal-delivering van, packed with Joe in the front and others in the back seats, takes off for seven or eight recipients. Joe helps Ed and Steve Terrell, also a Day Program staff member, navigate to northwest Columbia. Bryan is the first to take a personalized meal to Otto. The two shake hands, chat briefly and then it’s off to another address in the same retirement area. At other stops Jenny and Danny smile broadly and giggle with de-light as they take part.
At every door, they meet their weekly friend and hand over a warm meal. “I like to help with Meals on Wheels,” says Joe. “Especially on nice days. The people are just great.” Making friends on the road Tuesday and Thursdays are special days at ACT. That’s when two ACT crews head out sharing warm smiles and warm food to many home-bound and elderly in Columbia.
