All of us at JRDS would like to thank the Board of Trustees of The Portland Foundation for the recent award of $5,000 to complete some needed exterior work on the newly expanded Basic Life Skills and Vocational training areas. The generosity of the Foundation is appreciated and helps us to continue "Building Brighter Futures" for individuals with special needs. 

Saturday hours will return to Randolph County in April, May, June and July. The Jay County center will still maintain Saturday hours (8 AM - 12 PM) on the first Saturday of each month. Both centers will accept cans Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM. CURRENT RATE: $0.50 per pound (effective 2/21/2012) 

The renovation and expansion of the Day Services training areas at the Portland facility has been completed and the staff and clients are using the space for day services!  The project, which is being funded through a $440,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the "Building Brighter Futures Capital Campaign,"  provides an additional 2,740 square feet to the current work services, life skills and basic life skills training areas. This expansion includes classrooms, an accessible training kitchen, a private changing area and renovated restrooms, and a warming kitchen. This expansion will offer JRDS room to more adequately provide individualized service training for consumers. Classrooms that will allow consumers to focus on the tasks at hand without disruptions from others will have a positive impact on their learning. An accessible training kitchen will provide all consumers with the opportunity to participate in activities designed to increase their independence. Increased privacy and adequate clean-up facilities will bring a peace of mind to consumers requiring toileting assistance. And, a warming kitchen will provide meals created with dietary oversight. We are in the process of seeking funds to provide for some needed exterior work and interior furnishings to complete the entire project. An open house will be held at a later time.

The "Building Brighter Futures Capital Campaign"  goal of $50,000 has become a reality! To date, pledges and donations total $50,002! Clients served at the Jay County facility, staff, and the community have come together to assist us in meeting our goal and bringing the expansion to fruition. Donations to the campaign are still possible. Contact Teresa at (260) 726-7931, ext. 236 or Traci at ext. 248 to make a donation or visit our Donations web page.   

A new venture through the Indiana State Use Program began recently. The State Use Program is adminstered by the Indiana Association of Rehabilitative Facilities (INARF) and provides DD centers opportunities to bid on products and services used by the Indiana State Government. JRDS now has a contract through this program to provide janitorial services to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Winchester.