Grant says his organization prides itself in providing meaningful activities — like weekly art classes for the hundreds of children and adults served each day at the center.
“Many of these individuals wouldn’t otherwise have opportunities to participate in activities of this nature which are so important to their well-being and development,” he said.
The organization’s five-star rated Early Childhood Education and School-Age Programs, under Ohio’s Step up to Quality Program, offers the only local childcare programs with on-site nursing services and therapy programs to meet the needs of medically-fragile children.
URS also serves 100 families from Wright Patterson Air Force Base through its youth services and therapy programs. For adults and seniors, there are daycare programs and vocational training opportunities — all in an environment where they can work, socialize and feel supported.
Enrichment classes
Local artist Mike Elsass is one of those community members who volunteers his time to URS. Most recently, he created a one-of-a-kind piece for the newly renovated lobby, as part of its recent expansion to add capacity for 60 additional children and 100 additional adults with disabilities.
Elsass also offers art enrichment classes to URS clients. “Mike creates beautiful, unique works of art using reused and recycled sheets of steel,” says URS development director Vivian O’Connell. “Each piece can have up to 40 coats of paint and glazing.”
She says Elsass joins a dozen other local artists each July for URS’ annual ArtSplash event, which provides an opportunity for clients to experience many different types of art. Art supplies are among those items that are always needed at the center.
“Your readers have generously donated countless items on our wish list through the years,” adds O’Connell. “We have received a refrigerator, art supplies, personal care items and toys. The community support is essential to our success!”
Donations needed:
- Vibrating Pillows for children with Autism (www.got-specialkids.com/product-p/3709.htm)
- Musical toys, children's music and karaoke CDs
- Puzzles with knobs, letter or number recognition puzzles
- Lift-the-flap books
- Baby doll clothes and diapers
- Art supplies (sequins, pom-poms, pie cleaners, stickers, glue sticks, watercolor paints, colored pencils, markers, construction paper)
- Games (Uno, Phase 10 , Go Fish, Old Maid, Sorry, Guess Who, 20 Questions, Headbanz, Hi Ho Cherry-O)
- Cause & effect toys
- Hand puppets
- Wii remote controls
- Label maker
- Countertop microwave
- Greenhouse
Where to donate:
Donations can be delivered to 4710 Old Troy Pike at Needmore from 6:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call (937) 853-5430 to arrange for pick-up. Visit www.ursdayton.org for more information.
URS has a monthly tour for the community for anyone interested in learning more. The next Breakfast Tour is at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 11. RSVP to Ann Reinhart at areinhart@ursdayton.org.
Others ways to help: More than 1,400 volunteers support URS annually. Volunteer opportunities include clerical support, activities with youth and adult clients, weekend improvement projects, and special event support for annual events including the Rubber Duck Regatta. Visit ursdayton.org to learn more.
HELP US HELP YOU
Each week Meredith Moss profiles a non-profit organization in our area and its specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to publish, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please include a photo and a daytime phone number.
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