Print
E-mail
Rate
Drop-in center needs to expand, supervisors told
By Tracey Lamm/MVM News Network
FORT MADISON - A drop-in center for developmentally disabled and mentally retarded county residents is so popular it has outgrown its current location.
Lee County Central Point of Coordination Administrator Ryanne Wood told the Lee County Board of Supervisors Tuesday that the center is also saving the county money.
“All of the social goals that are part of each individual's care plan are being met by the drop-in center,” Wood said. Instead of paying $32 per hour for a community support worker to provide social activities, the center is doing the work. “It's a much more effective way to meet those social goals,” Wood said.
The drop-in center opened last year and provides an opportunity for county residents with developmental disabilities and mental retardation to gather, socialize and participate in group recreational activities. Wood said she is looking for a larger space that includes a large open area and a kitchen.
Often the group that gathers fixes a meal together and the large space is needed for such activities as bingo and dances. Wood said the Lee County group also gets together with people from Des Moines County for joint activities.
The drop-in center is located in Fort Madison and Wood said about 12 people from Keokuk come to the center on a consistent basis. So far, the center has served 90 people. Right now, Wood said, she is looking for a larger space in Fort Madison because the center has already established ties to the community. The Optimist Club and some of the churches have been providing food for the center.
Jim Betherum, who is in charge of the county's buildings, grounds and maintenance, suggested Wood look into using the Heritage Center in Keokuk and the Newberry Center in Fort Madison. “Those are two buildings we already own and I don't think they are use to their full capacity,” Betherum said.
In other business, a Department of Corrections jail inspection was held Friday. Betherum said the county has 90 days to submit a plan in writing for the future of the temporary trailers that are adjacent to the jail and are used to house inmates. The trailers, which were installed in 1995, and expected to last three years, are in need of replacement. A citizens advisory committee has formed and preliminary plans are in the works to add inmate housing space to the jail.
Betherum and his maintenance staff spend a large block of time each week at the jail addressing maintenance issues. “We have been as creative as we can out there. But, we are running out of ideas on how to those things (trailers) going,” Betherum said.
Any jail addition will require a bond referendum. Supervisor chairman Larry Kruse has said in the past a public vote on the matter may take place in October.
Lee County Central Point of Coordination Administrator Ryanne Wood told the Lee County Board of Supervisors Tuesday that the center is also saving the county money.
“All of the social goals that are part of each individual's care plan are being met by the drop-in center,” Wood said. Instead of paying $32 per hour for a community support worker to provide social activities, the center is doing the work. “It's a much more effective way to meet those social goals,” Wood said.
The drop-in center opened last year and provides an opportunity for county residents with developmental disabilities and mental retardation to gather, socialize and participate in group recreational activities. Wood said she is looking for a larger space that includes a large open area and a kitchen.
Often the group that gathers fixes a meal together and the large space is needed for such activities as bingo and dances. Wood said the Lee County group also gets together with people from Des Moines County for joint activities.
The drop-in center is located in Fort Madison and Wood said about 12 people from Keokuk come to the center on a consistent basis. So far, the center has served 90 people. Right now, Wood said, she is looking for a larger space in Fort Madison because the center has already established ties to the community. The Optimist Club and some of the churches have been providing food for the center.
ADVERTISEMENT |
In other business, a Department of Corrections jail inspection was held Friday. Betherum said the county has 90 days to submit a plan in writing for the future of the temporary trailers that are adjacent to the jail and are used to house inmates. The trailers, which were installed in 1995, and expected to last three years, are in need of replacement. A citizens advisory committee has formed and preliminary plans are in the works to add inmate housing space to the jail.
Betherum and his maintenance staff spend a large block of time each week at the jail addressing maintenance issues. “We have been as creative as we can out there. But, we are running out of ideas on how to those things (trailers) going,” Betherum said.
Any jail addition will require a bond referendum. Supervisor chairman Larry Kruse has said in the past a public vote on the matter may take place in October.
 |
 |
|
| Veteran re-enactor enjoys annual Keokuk event | Hamilton hosts program about historical Illinois desperados |
