Adult Programs

2009 Adult Program Highlights

Increased enrollment in Day Programs by 25%
Increased enrollment in Employment Services by 30%
Increased enrollment in Supported Living by 23%
90% of Day Program participants met their objectives
85% of Employment Services participants met their objectives
88% of Supported Living participants met their objectives
100% of participants in all programs were satisfied with services
Received a small grant from the Fulton County Community Foundation to make improvements to Manitou Center
Partnered with JESSE to transition High School seniors to community employment
Developed new partnerships with Doctor's Hospital and Weidner CPA for community employment
FOP and MSDC Auxiliary co-sponsored three social activities for program participants

Community Crossroads

A piece of MSDC's Community Crossroads' Program involves volunteer work in the community. Volunteer jobs are an excellent opportunity to build on job skills. In fact, there are many "hidden" opportunities to teach everyday skills while accessing the community such as teaching appropriate socialization skills, hygiene, pedestrian skills, physical activity, and communication skills all while building community connections. The opportunities for teaching and training are endless. One gentleman previously held a community job but was unable to keep it due to poor socialization skills. His volunteer job is giving him a new opportunity to correct past socialization mistakes and re-train him for future paid job opportunities.

Consumers are involved in many volunteer jobs throughout Marshall, Starke, and Fulton Counties. We have volunteers at Women's Care Center, United Way, Habitat for Humanity Resale Store, Ancilla College, Humane Society, Food Pantry, Meals-on-Wheels, Head Start, and even provide assistance to individuals in need. One consumer helps a senior citizen shop weekly for groceries. Neither rain, sleet, nor snow will stop this volunteer from picking up and delivering the needed items. All with a smile on his face!

Volunteering has been offered as part of our programming for about six years. Many of our sites are long term and on-going. At times, it seemed as though our consumer's might not have the skills to complete some of the jobs, but it was just a matter of finding the right person for the right job.

The rapport that develops between consumer's and volunteer site staff is uplifting. Many times community volunteer sites have had special luncheons and parties in recognition of jobs well done. This has special meaning for the volunteers knowing they are providing valuable and appreciated services. The community has been very welcoming and gracious and we hope to continue to build our volunteer program as opportunities arise.

Industrial Services

What we have known for a long time is to never under estimate one's ability. Our workshop which focuses on wood products exemplifies this statement. With the right training and safeguards, consumers operate numerous power driven tools and equipment.

The two primary products in our industrial services are plywood reels and window shipping blocks. We currently produce over fourteen various blocks selling approximately 30,000 blocks annually. The window blocks are manufactured solely by consumers. The plywood reels are produced by consumers working along side non-disabled co-workers. The reel portion of our workshop is called Real Products and produces approximately 300,000 reels annually. The old saying "A picture is worth a thousand words", is the best way to highlight our Industrial Services.

Supported Living - A Story of Family

For twenty-five years, four gentlemen have been residing together in one of Marshall-Starke's Supported Living sites. The four have become as brothers. Where one is weak, the others are strong and supportive. They dine together, shop together, attend recreational activities together, but also have their own private space and time when desired or needed. The four men watch out for each other and compromise when the need arises.

They accept each other's weaknesses and strengths, and never judge harshly. They live exactly as a family, which they have become.

Community Employment

Isaac began in MSDC's Industrial Services two years ago where he operates machinery. Staff quickly learned Isaac was interested in cooking. As part of his Individual Habilitation at the Center, he cooked small meals for himself. Four months after enrolling at MSDC, we referred Isaac to Vocational Rehabilitation for a community job. We all knew the right fit for Isaac would be in a restaurant.

Isaac was hired by Corndance Café last June as a Kitchen Crew Assistant. Some of his responsibilities include chopping and preparing garnishes and assisting the Head Chef with the fryer. The owner's of Corndance, George and Tammy Pesak, say Isaac is doing a great job and love having him there.