Community Partnership Helps Adults with Special Needs

By Kacie Goode, The Kentucky Standard

The Guthrie Opportunity Center is exploring new ways to add to its services for developmentally disabled adults.

Some programs the center is looking to possibly add include a food service program, a shredding program to supplement the current recycling program, art services and a landscaping nursery, said Dick Heaton, chairman of the Guthrie Opportunity Center Foundation.

“At this time, the foundation is focusing on researching the feasibility of these types of programs and putting together business plans,” Heaton said.

Diversifying programs would not only expand work opportunities, but would also allow individuals to explore a variety of interests, Heaton said.

Nelson County Industries was established in 1974, but has grown over the last four decades. In 2011, the Guthrie Opportunity Center Foundation was formed and incorporated with the mission of financially supporting and expanding vocational training and job placement for the developmentally disabled.

“As much as we all enjoy a different career path and the different interests we have, that is an opportunity for our very precious individuals to explore,” said Renea Poston, a mother of a man who works at the GO Center.

[su_button url=”http://www.kystandard.com/content/providing-opportunity” target=”blank” background=”#ed7d31″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: arrow-circle-right”]Read Full Article[/su_button]