Mar 21, 2014 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – As part of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Month, Greene Arc Inc. will hold an open house Wednesday at its vocational training center in Ruff Creek. The event is to promote public awareness of programs and services the organization offers citizens with disabilities.

The open house will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The public is invited to participate in guided tours of the center with staff members who will explain each of the programs Greene Arc has to offer.

Informational booths also will be set up in the banquet hall and staff will be available to discuss the various programs. Written materials will be available.

Light refreshments will be served and those attending will have two chances to win a gift basket.

Greene Arc was founded in 1967 by a group of local people who were interested in finding a way to provide support and inclusion in the community for family members who have disabilities, said Cynthia Dias, executive director.

“Our mission is to provide services to disabled individuals in Greene and surrounding counties and to promote their employment and independence,” she said.

The nonprofit corporation provides residential, vocational, day support, job opportunities, advocacy, and mental health and recovery services to citizens with disabilities. Its programs include:

• The adult day training program provides mobility and therapeutic activities to people and assists them with daily living skills including self-care, communications, community participation and socialization.

• The pre-vocational training program provides individuals with job training through activities involving document destruction and food service. The vocational program also provides job training and on the job experience at the agency’s on-site recycling center. The agency operates the recycling program for Greene County.

• The job coach and job development program works to provide those with disabilities with skills needed to find and hold employment, and includes résumé writing, job interview skills and job retention support.

• The home and community habilitation program provides support for individuals living independently in the community, assisting them with budgeting, finances, medical appointments, shopping, personal hygiene and maintaining a clean and safe home environment.

• Greene Arc also has a residential services program that includes community group homes, semi-independent living and shared living experiences.

It has four licensed group homes that provide around-the-clock supervision. As part of its life-sharing program, people in the community open their doors and become host families for those with disabilities.

Greene Arc Inc. is located at 197 Dunn Station Road, Prosperity. For more information about the organization and its services, call Greene Arc at 724-627-5511.