Goodwill of South Central Ohio’s Pike County Activities and Training Center opened this week in the former Grace Community Church.
The new location at 313 Second St. in Waverly provides the needed space to better serve the dozen people who attend the center and allows room to serve more individuals.
“As we have shifted from work centers for our folks with disabilities toward more of a day-hab model, we’ve been focused on creating a warmer home-like atmosphere. The former Grace Community Church accomplishes that goal not only on the inside but with the outside yard and shelter house,” said Marvin Jones, CEO of Goodwill of South Central Ohio. “We’re excited about the prospects this new home brings for our Pike County Activities and Training Center and the folks we serve.”
The site has a sensory room, kitchen, and a large common space setup with a living room area, reading nook, tables for games, crafts, and other activities. The center, which previously operated in the rear of the Goodwill store across from WalMart on U.S. 23, is one of five operated by Goodwill of South Central Ohio. Other centers are located in Athens, Chillicothe, Logan, and Washington Court House.
The centers offer activities such as art, singing, crafts, and watching movies; taking trips to places like the zoo, bowling, festivals, and touring local businesses; volunteering at places like animal shelters and food pantries; and conducting group holiday and birthday celebrations.
In addition to the activities, Goodwill provides training in an effort to help individuals find employment with local business and industry. Vocational services provided include help writing resumes, conducting mock interviews, shadowing people who have jobs they might like, and helping them explore opportunities on the internet.
An open house for the community will be from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22. There will be light refreshments and staff on hand to answer questions.
The impact on the center’s neighborhood will be minimal (donations for the store will not be taken at the center). The center operates from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and is always staffed with trained professionals.
Goodwill of South Central Ohio centers are certified providers through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and also have earned accreditation by CARF, an independent, nonprofit organization focused on advancing the quality of services to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people being served.
Staff certifications include:
• Provider certification through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
• Medication administration
• CPR and First Aid
• Certified Employment Support Professional
• Career discovery certification
• Benefits analysis certification
For more information on Goodwill, go online to www.GWISCO.org and follow us on Facebook.
Media contact: Jona Ison, jona.ison@gwisco.org, 740-702-4000 ext. 135
Mission: Improve the quality of life and job opportunities for those with disabilities and disadvantages
PO Box 93, Chillicothe, OH 45601 740-702-4000