OPTIONS Spotlight:
Expanding our OPTIONS

The OPTIONS spotlight is a new feature of the Caring Chronicle. Each issue will highlight one of our four OPTIONS Day Support Centers for adults with developmental disabilities.

The past month was eventful at the Waynesboro OPTIONS Day Support Center. We celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas, and expanded our physical space to "spread our wings." We are currently in the process of choosing colors for the walls, and developing vocational and sensory rooms for our program.

We have been exploring our new space and are excited about the opportunities that are in store for each individual. Our new space has already shown a positive impact for strengthening friendships among all our day-support participants.

Frances recently fell at her home, and has been recuperating from the fall. Since her fall Frances utilizes a walker for mobility. She comes to OPTIONS three days a week. She also lost one of her closest friends this past year. Frances has been spending a lot of her time in the "social room" relaxing, and propping her leg for comfort. Three weeks ago, Don who also utilizes a walker for mobility, decided to go check on Frances to see how she was feeling. Don ventured out of his "comfort area" and sat with Frances in the "social room." Since that day, Frances and Don check on each other and socialize. They are becoming good friends.

Our new space has allowed each individual to venture out of his or her "comfort area" and explore new options within the day program. We are thankful for this new opportunity and look forward to continuing to develop and utilize our new space in 2008.

By: Joy Haney, Day Support Coordinator, Waynesboro