On Wednesday morning the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair rolled out the red carpet for clients of Pinelands' High Hope adult day programs in Bulloch, Candler and Tattnall counties.
Kiwanian Connie Saunders coordinates and leads the visit for these VIP guest. She took over the program from the late Kiwanian Sylvia Brown. They actually named the program "Sylvia Brown's Day at the Fair."
Saunders is a retired teacher and counselor who spent her career in the Portal school system and often had opportunities to work with many of these clients. She began working at 16 in the Gracewood State School and Hospital for Mentally and Physically disabled citizens in Augusta. It was at this early age when these citizens grabbed her heart.
"I just love working with them and providing this opportunity in honor of Sylvia Brown each year. They are all so appreciative of anything you do for them. Having the opportunity to be with them warms my heart," said Connie Saunders. "I want to thank all the Kiwanians who came out today to help us host them. I also want to thank the club for making this possible, along with Amusements of America and the show performers. One final treat was lunch catered and donated by Chick-Fil-A. We thank Chick-Fil-A for that as well."
The club worked with Amusements of America and several of the show performers to create a special VIP experience for some of our communities most valued citizens. Over 50 adults who have developmental disabilities came out for this special day at the fair.
"This is so important to our clients to get out and have fun. To be independent, see things and meet people. This is a special experience because it is hard for many of them to afford to experience the fair," said Loretta Henderson, Director of High Hope. "This allows them to have an experience they probably wouldn't get to have if not for the generosity of the Kiwanis."
They got to see some of the best shows at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair this year including the pig races, the cowboy circus, the K9 high flying dog show, the petting zoo and rode amusement rides. Their favorites were the dog show and the Cowboy Circus. Cowboy Circus Danny Grant provided a lot of interaction with the clients. They all loved him.
They are super excited about their next outings. They will visit the fire department on Friday and City Hall and the Waste Treatment facility next week.
High Hope Program
High Hope is a day center for adults with developmental disabilities. The program works with the clients on social and learning skills. Each of them have a goal and they work with them to achieve that goal by the end of the year. The year round program is funded through the department of behavioral health and disabilities.
For those that live at home with their parents the program also allows them some respite during the day.
Always looking for opportunities
Anyone in the community who has opportunities for the clients to visit their business, organization or event please reach out to Ms. Henderson. Some of their clients have jobs in the community and some volunteer. They have a wide range of clients who love all types of opportunities to get out in the community. They need opportunities for clients who want to add to their education like the cities waste treatment facility. The clients also love fun opportunities as well.
If you want to learn more about participating in the program or reach out to invite them to your business, event or organization you can contact Ms. Henderson at 912-489-8711 or by email at [email protected].
