Peak Community Services eNews

An Ice Cream Social was held at McHale Complex at Riverside Park, complete with Carousel rides for all. Over 100 enjoyed the evening.

At the beginning of the evening, there was a short program. Four adults with developmental disabilities were award winners in an essay contest. They were invited to share their winning essays.

The award winners were Tim Russo, Pam Blinn, Laura Kelly and Doug Lewis. The topic of each essay was “Dreams Can Come True.”

In addition, Don Weikle shared information about the Foundation and the process we are going through to get applications out to individuals on waiting lists.

And, as you can see in the photo to the left, Don continued to enjoy the evening as he took a turn on the Carousel!

A handmade Amish quilt was auctioned, courtesy of Betty Lewis. The quilt was made by Mary Hochstetler and is named “Storm at Sea.”

Proceeds will aid in the purchase of a defibrillator for the Work Services program in Logansport.

The Arc of Indiana is a terrific advocate for people with developmental disabilities. It offers information to members of Congress and the Indiana Legislature. In Indiana, The Arc and INARF (Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities) have a partnership; their collaborative efforts have presented a strong and united front to the legislature and the state bureaucracy. From a political point of view, numbers count. The more Hoosiers The Arc of Indiana can say are members, the greater The Arc’s clout.

Thank you, to all who are renewing your membership with The Arc of Indiana through the local chapter, Peak Community Services, and to those of you who are joining for the first time. You make a difference.

Boo Radley, a recluse, lives in the neighborhood of the Atticus family and becomes part of the lively imagination of the children. Throughout the story, which graphically describes racism and prejudice of the era, Boo is never seen, but he is still an integral part of the play. In the end, Boo saves the children from an attacker, and he spends some time with Scout, who, as an adult, narrates the story.

This role seemed to be tailor-made for Jim. He was an intimate part of the play from start to finish, but was able to stay in the background until the end. He was happy once again to have a speaking role in a local play, and we were thrilled to see him perform.

The Civic Players are very creative about the ways in which Jim can be an active and vital part of their performances. They are actively involved in the long term solution for independent living.

Cass County Commissioners Donate Land

On April 16, the Cass County Commissioners presented a deed to property at 1213 Woodlawn Avenue. The property was an easement that borders property upon which Peak Community Services plans to build a new group home. The home - a single level accessible house large enough to accommodate six adults - will be better placed now that the easement is a part of the property. The Cass County Commissioners, ever supportive of the efforts of the agency to expand services to meet community needs, stepped to the plate and offered the land. Thank you, Mr. Kain, Mr. Rusk and Mr. Arnold, for being part of the long term solution to independent living!

Thrivent Financial Donates Papercutter

For more than 100 years, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has created programs and opportunities for Lutherans to support their congregations and institutions and reach out to their communities. Over the past 10 years, Thrivent Financial has provided more than $1 billion for charitable, benevolent and educational purposes.

This year, the Cass/Carroll County Chapter of Thrivent Financial purchased an industrial paper cutter and several brooms and dustpans for the Work Services Program in Logansport. The paper cutter is a replacement for one that was on its proverbial last legs. A good cutter is vital to the many marketing jobs that Work Services provides for local industry. Without it, we would not be able to put out a quality product for the businesses that count on us. The brooms, of course, will keep us looking spiffy!