Horizons, Inc. celebrates 35 years with Luau

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • June 27, 2011
  • 327
                        
Summary: Horizons, Inc. is celebrating 35 years in the community. As a way to honor the individuals who dedicate their time to helping the developmentally disabled residents in the region, Horizons, Inc. will host a Luau for their employees and their families on July 30 at their new location. Horizons, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization providing programs and housing to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities and those with physical disabilities. Since 1976, Horizons, Inc. has assisted individuals in reaching their full potential. What began as a group of parents concerned about the need to provide homes for individuals with developmental disabilities here in Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties has grown to an organization that helps 104 individuals in eight counties and employs 265 people whose purpose is to develop and provide normal living environments for the individuals they serve. Horizons, Inc. currently serves individuals in Ashland, Carroll, Coshocton, Knox, Harrison, Jefferson, Tuscarawas and Wayne Counties. To honor the dedicated people that provide the services residents need, Horizons, Inc. will be celebrating their 35th Anniversary on July 30 with a Luau themed party. The Luau will have food, fun, games and prizes and be held from 2-8p.m. at Horizon’s new location at 220 W. 4th St. at Dover. Horizons, Inc. executive director, Donna Merrill said, “We want to honor all the people who make it possible for us to serve the individuals who choose us to be a part of their lives. We serve many of these people for years and have, in some cases been referred to as a part of their families.” Horizons Inc. recently moved to a new location after the building they rented in north Dover was continually flooded. “The new location is centrally located and we no longer worry about the flooding like we did in our previous location,” said Merrill. Horizons, Inc offers various programs including their Avenues of Adventures program that features life-enhancing services in a warm and interactive environment for individuals with developmental disabilities in Tuscarawas County. The Avenues of Adventure Program includes: -health awareness -menu planning and cooking skills -religious classes -computer skills -job training skills -safety skills -athletic training -support groups -volunteer opportunities -personal growth -building relationships -literacy Horizon’s Inc. has partnered with Society for Equal Access and the Tuscarawas County Senior Center to offer transportation services for a small fee to anyone living in Tuscarawas County through their TUSCTRANSIT program. Last month TUSCTRANSIT transported 1,724 people. Individuals interested in utilizing their services can call 330-364-2159. Merrill has been with Horizon’s, Inc. for twenty one years and is hopeful for the future of the organization. “We get 90% of our funding from federal and state dollars. We are uncertain if our funding will stay the same at this point. Until the new budget is released we can only hope we can continue to provide the services residents have come to expect from us,” said Merrill. Currently Horizon’s receives funding through the Ohio Department of Human Services (Medicaid), the Department of Developmental Disabilities, the Tuscarawas County Board Developmental Disabilities, Individual Options Waiver Program, and tax-deductible donations from individuals, churches and civic organizations in the community. The individuals they serve also contribute from their own incomes, based on their ability to pay. 3% of the general population is classified as developmentally disabled. One in ten families is touched by developmental disabilities according to Horizons, Inc. “I believe we make a difference in the lives of the individuals that choose us,” said Merrill. The luau is open to employees of Horizon’s, Inc and their families. Guests are asked to R.S.V.P. by July 8th. For more information about Horizon’s Inc and the services they offer call 330-364-5415.


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