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Family members play a very important part in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. They not only share the joys in the life of their loved one, they reach out to other families to provide supports and friendship. Parent/advocacy groups assist the programs and services of our agency in many ways. They provide input regarding services and sponsor extra-curricular outings, dances, and luncheons throughout the year. Family members and friends participate in many activities and special events at each of the centers. They also have the opportunity to participate in the Parent Group at the site where their family member attends day services. There are four parent groups, one each at the Janet Clemmons Center for Young Children and Families, Hamilton Center, Middletown Center and Liberty Center. The Butler County ARC, formerly known as the Butler County Association for Retarded Citizens, is the local advocacy group representing people of all ages who have developmental disabilities. Membership is open in each of these groups to anyone with an interest in the welfare and lives of people with developmental disabilities. Each of the Parent Groups are described below. Janet Clemmons Center Family Activities Committee All the family events at the Janet Clemmons Center this year have been a combined effort of the Janet Clemmons Family Activities Committee (formerly known as the PTO) and the Janet Clemmons Family Resource Center. The committee includes parents, instructors from MRDD and Head Start programs, instructor assistants, administrative staff and Amy Levy, the Early Childhood Support Coordinator. Each month an activity is offered to families of the Janet Clemmons Center or one of its satellites at a free or very reduced price. The cost is borne by fundraising throughout the year. A list of activities can be accessed on the web page titled Special Events under the Children button on our Home page.
Hamilton Center Advisory Group The Hamilton Center Advisory Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. Members include parents, family members and staff of individuals who attend Hamilton Center activities. Anyone may attend meetings and participate in planned activities sponsored by the Hamilton Center Advisory Group. The Hamilton Center Advisory Group was formed to provide an alternative to work and to meet the desires and needs of the adults working at and attending Hamilton Center. The group sponsors many activities throughout the year which include dances, holiday celebrations, a holiday boutique, field trips and community outings. Dances held at Hamilton Center always include an open invitation for everyone to enjoy the food, fun and entertainment. One of the most notable projects recently completed by the advisory group is the Circle of Life Memorial Garden, located near the rear entrance to Hamilton Center. The garden has been designed with trees and various perennial plantings, accessible sidewalks and benches where people can pause to reflect and remember those from Hamilton Center who have passed away. The names of those we remember appear on a plaque that has been mounted to a large rock near the center of the garden. The garden requires regular care. Members of the advisory group continue to help with that chore.
Liberty Center Advocates, Inc. The Liberty Center Advocates, Inc. meet at least quarterly. Members include parents, family members and staff of individuals who attend Liberty Center. Anyone may attend meetings and participate in planned activities sponsored by the Liberty Center Advocates, Inc. The Liberty Center Advocates, Inc. was formed to help provide participants an opportunity to enjoy holiday events and special occasions, and to help guide the activities of Liberty Center. The group sponsors many activities throughout the year which include parties, Liberty Day, a holiday boutique and craft sale, and appreciation luncheons for staff. Most of the members of the group are also volunteers at Liberty Center. They help to provide that extra pair of hands to staff, and that added personal touch to the special occasions. They also meet occasionally at Liberty Center for fellowship activities and crafting.
Middletown Center Advisory Group The Middletown Center Advisory Group meets on a monthly basis. Members include parents, family members and staff of individuals who attend Middletown Center activities. Anyone may attend meetings and participate in planned activities sponsored by the Middletown Center Advisory Group. The Middletown Center Advisory Group was formed to provide a means for parents, families and friends to be a part of the daily activities of the center, including crafting classes and weekly reading programs. The group sponsors fund raisers throughout the year to help defray the costs of parties and holiday celebrations hosted at the center. Fund raisers include an annual rummage sale and a holiday boutique.
The Butler County ARC, formerly the Butler County Association for Retarded Citizens, is an advocacy group of family members and friends committed to improving opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities of all ages. The ARC believes that all persons should live, work, learn, and have friendships with their neighbors and co-workers in the community. Members work with state and local representatives to encourage progressive and effective programs and services, and to secure the necessary funding to support them. The ARC welcomes new members and new ideas. The ARC sponsors three annual events during the year: a membership dinner in May, a picnic and hayride in September and a holiday dinner dance in December. The ARC supports or sponsors educational programs, a drama club, a chorus group, a band, softball leagues, and recreational trips.
Butler County Dental Care Program The ARC continues to advocate for the Butler County Dental Care Program. This program was inspired solely by the Butler County ARC. It is dedicated to increase continuous and appropriate dental care to adults with developmental disabilities who have unique needs. Click here for more information about the Butler County Dental Care Program.
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