Greene County Community Inclusion Partnership
Today The Arc of the Ozarks hosted the first Greene County Community Inclusion Partnership meeting. This endeavor is spearheaded by The Arc’s Family Advocates, Angie Perryman and Elizabeth Obrey, as well as, Abilities First’s Stacey Richardson. The mission of the partnership is to educate and inspire the community to encourage inclusion throughout Greene County. The turnout was incredible with people from various service providers, public recreation entities, parents, schools, medical personnel, businesses, etc.
Among the businesses present were Zach Martin with Incredible Pizza Company and Josh Downing with RTB Crossfit, whom shared their success with offering inclusive events to families in the community. RTB Crossfit offers free classes for children with disabilities to improve their overall mobility and independence. “Our goal is to make kids better movers and throw out the stigmas of their limitations,” stated Downing.
After hearing from businesses on the inclusion already taking place in the community, the discussion was opened to a brainstorming session about the needs and barriers still present regarding advocacy, safety and healthy living. The ideas that emerged included transportation, accessibility, education, systems to help people navigate services and much more. There is no question that everyone left feeling empowered to make a difference and come together to do so.
The next meeting will be August 23 at The Arc of the Ozarks Elfindale office (1721 W. Elfindale) and is anticipated to be larger as more community members choose to partner with one another to truly make Greene County inclusive. For more information on how to get involved with this group you may contact any of the ladies listed below.
Stacey Richardson: srichardson@abilitiesfirst.net or 417-988-8616
Angie Perryman: aperryman@thearcoftheozarks.org or 417-874-1982
Elizabeth Obrey: eobrey@thearcoftheozarks.org or 417-874-1993
