LARC gets needed home improvements
If you do home improvement, you know that sometimes a small job can get more and more complicated. But thanks to the generosity of several individuals, a local group home for disabled individuals recently got much needed improvements.
LARC Inc. is a local non-profit organization that provides opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. The goal is to have these individuals live, work and participate in community activities to the fullest extent their capabilities allow. The organization runs several group homes in the area.
“We have a residential home in North Fort Myers that never had a double sink or a dishwasher,” said Lisa Cronin Miller, director of community relations and education for LARC.
It’s not a luxury, she said, but rather a state preference that these type of homes have these items.
“We were encouraged by the state to come into compliance with that,” she said.
First, there was getting a donation of the actual items, something that is not in an average budget for any non-profit organization. Several champions stepped forward.
“Tom Mix of Thomas Mix Kitchens and Baths in Fort Myers and his daughter, Chandra, said they would take care of it,” said Cronin Miller. “They bought the sink and the dishwasher, took apart the counter and installed them as far as they could.”
Then the small job turned more complex. It was discovered that a new electrical wall socket needed to be installed and then re-wiring of the home. “They called a friend of theirs from Elite Electric, Bobby Fontane, he came in and created a new electrical wall socket and re-did the wiring,” she said.
Then it was discovered more things needed to be done.
“It just kept coming and coming,” she said “Then Bart Brauer is another that came in and donated all his time and supplies to get the plumbing connected.”
Brauer is with Handyman Services of North Fort Myers.
“The residents are doing very well,” she reported.
The home has had many refurbishments from a variety of caring community individuals.
“It’s been eight months since FGCU students came to help landscape and refurbish the house,” she said. Not only did students help, but they recruited their family members as well.
“The roses they planted are now blooming. It’s beautiful,” she said.
Cronin Miller, staff and residents wish to thank all of those who participated in the ventures.
Sensitivity Awareness Workshops
LARC is now sponsoring Sensitivity Awareness Workshops, turning it into a formal program being offered to the community. Last week, nearly 100 community leaders and individuals attended one of the two-day workshops. The purpose of the Sensitivity Awareness Workshop of Southwest Florida Inc. is to educate individuals about people who have physical, mental or learning disabilities through a hands-on, interactive program. This workshop offers organizations a comprehensive program that fosters understanding and a sincere sense of compassion and empathy towards those with disabilities.
Cronin Miller facilitates the seminar, one she developed before joining LARC last year. It has now merged as part of LARC.
“It’s an outreach for the community. We’ve had such a great response, and it continues LARC’s mission,” she said.
She describes the program as being of use to anyone interested in better relating to others. The goal is to gain compassion and empathy through an interactive experience.
The program has gotten raves from top community leaders. In a prepared statement, Jeanne Dozier, chairman of The Lee County School Board, gave her review.
“This is such a touching workshop which can benefit every adult and every child to have a better understanding of the needs and diversity of each individual,” she said.
Jon C. Cecil, chief human resources officer of Lee Memorial Health Systems, added, “The presentation was moving and inspirational … it makes those of us who are more fortunate in some ways to appreciate what we do have.”
For more information, go to sawoneheart.org, or call Cronin Miller at 334-6285, extension 229. You can also contact her via e-mail at LisaCroninMiller@LARCleecounty.org.