MAKE A DIFFERENCE By Meredith Moss, Staff Writer, Dayton Daily News | May 14, 2020
“United Rehabilitation Services has endured many challenges in its 64-year history and has withstood the test of time,” says the agency’s executive director, Dennis G. Grant.
We’ve been writing about URS for many years; at the moment we’re focusing on its early childhood education programs for infants, toddlers, preschool and school-age children. The programs have earned a five-star rating under Ohio’s Step Up to Quality program, ensuring they exceed licensing standards while preparing young learners of all abilities to enter school ready to learn and be successful.
Those programs are currently facing a new challenge. The non-profit anticipates a shortfall exceeding $1 million as a result of the pandemic. “The Center was forced to temporarily close all-day programs on March 16 due to the pandemic and is working tirelessly to support the hundreds of clients and their families during this very difficult time,” says Grant. “URS expanded the scope of its services to support our local workforce of essential workers and restored some services on April 6, following Gov. DeWine’s orders including child care for essential workers under a ‘pandemic license’ and three small-groups of adults totally 18 individuals for adult day care programming. URS is also providing Tele-Health therapies to 100 patients at home.”
Grant says URS felt that increasing the scope of service was important to support the community, but came at considerable expense.
Among those participating in the URS preschool program is Asher Cain, son of Jason and Billi Cain of Tipp City. Asher, 4, was born with Angelman syndrome (AS), a rare neuro-genetic disorder that occurs in one in 15,000 live births, resulting in developmental delays, lack of speech, seizures and balance disorders. He has benefited from URS’ on-site Therapies and Nursing Services and currently attends URS’ Pandemic Child Care. His mother works at Ohio Valley Surgical Hospital.
The following supplies are on the URS “Pandemic Wish List”:
• Art supplies and activities for educational kits for adults and kids at home: Construction paper, watercolor paper, colored pencils, crayons, stickers, watercolor paints.
• Sensory items: Play-doh, water beads, sand, shaving cream, rice, food coloring, dried beans, miniature toys like army men, Polly Pockets.
• Cleaning Supplies: Spray bottles, bleach, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer.
Visit URS’ electronic Pandemic Wish List on Amazon here.
Donations can be delivered by appointment only to 4710 Old Troy Pike at Needmore. Contact Lora Davenport, ldavenport@ursdayton.org or (937) 853-5430. After calling to say you have arrived, someone will get the donation out of your vehicle.
Others ways to help: Volunteers are needed to help with mulching the grounds and preparing the vegetable garden for planting. If you have a green thumb and would like to help, contact Davenport.
There are also opportunities for corporate, church or civic groups to support the agency’s largest fundraiser, the Rubber Duck Regatta by hosting a Duck Campaign helping to promote the event and sell ducks. Learn how you can get involved at daytonducks.com.
You can also support URS including through its Monthly Giving Program, which allows donors to give as little as $10/month. Visit ursdayton.org/donate to learn about the many ways you can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Meredith Moss writes about non-profit organizations in our community and their specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to share with our readers, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please leave a daytime phone number and submit a photo that reflects your group’s mission.
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