Rockdale, Texas (KRHD) – A new partnership between MARC Center and Rockdale’s compliance choice will expand Millum County’s private day programming services with special needs starting August 1st.
“We were extremely excited to be on board so that we can partner with Mark Center and increase the numbers we are currently doing there,” said Chris Gerren, CEO of Abiding Choice.
Tyler Dupnick
The Mark Center, which has been serving the community since the mid-’60s, is in its 60th year, and this new collaboration aims to increase the number of clients it can support, both services and the number of clients it can support.
“Sometimes things happen to make you sit down and make a better plan,” said Anne King of the Mark Board.
A partnership formed after Temple’s Central County services had to halt programming the day with Mark Center and opened the door to this new reality.
“Employment opportunities, volunteer opportunities, community involvement, community socialization, and that’s a kind of vision for this place,” Jellen said.
Gerren tells 15 ABC that joining more clients in the community will provide a sense of purpose for people with special needs.
“We take clients from the centre into the community, wherever possible humanly possible, engage in community outings and volunteer opportunities, and help build independent living skills,” Jellen said.
Tyler Dupnick
These efforts are beneficial to them and our community as a whole.
“They’re the people they enjoy most to be around,” King said. “They are the most acceptable people you and everyone, and they are the most caring and loving people you have ever had, and the joys you get from working with someone with special needs is unlimited.”
Tyler Dupnick
Mark Center currently serves 27 clients and hopes to increase that number to at least 40 through this new partnership.
15 ABC asked if the choice to protect being local in Rockdale felt like a closer connection.
“Yes, it’s like family,” King repeats.
The new arrangements will also help improve staffing.
Tyler Dupnick
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