Community Acceptance
The Center's program is open to any disabled individual in Lorain County or Erie County who needs daily intervention to maintain and rehabilitate or habilitate life skills. Community support comes from local organizations, community residents, and County agencies.
The Center's land was donated and the building was built by the local labor unions and community volunteers. Operating expenses have been supported by the community since the Center's inception. Coordination of Lorain County and Erie County agencies has always been a valuable asset to the Center's operations. The Lorain County Board of Mental Health and United Way of Lorain County share responsibility to provide habilitation, mental health services, & transportation services to the Center's clients. The Erie County Transit System coordinates transportation for some of our disabled clients through a State Grant for a new van and through transportation by the Erie County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MR/DD).
Service and Support Administrators from the Lorain and Erie County Boards of Mental Retardation are involved in the coordination of service delivery for specifically assigned MR/DD clients. The Center coordinates with County Human Service Agencies for information and referral, and local foundations have helped develop the Center.
Program Assets
1. A community resource recognized widely for its ability to respond efficiently, effectively, and compassionately to the multifaceted needs of citizens with multiple disabilities.
2. A supplier and coordinator of a variety of programs and habilitation opportunities for disabled adults that focus upon enabling eligible individuals to maximize their contributions to society through activities that reflect their unique skills, interests, and values
3. Commitment to the provision of services for individuals with special needs, and support for families who care for disabled individuals providing reassurance for aged family care givers who are concerned about future needs.
4. Collaborates through joint planning, and sharing resources and expertise with other organizations and interested parties
5. Provides transportation for people with disabilities in our community enabling access to the Center's programs and services and other resources within the county and to participate in community life.
6. Enhances communications with consumers, their family members, partnering organizations and businesses, and the community at large.
7. A community resource that remains a conscientious and prudent steward of public funds.
Diversity and Community
The Lucy Idol Center welcomes the unique talents and contributions of its diverse communities that include all of Lorain County, parts of Erie County, and friends from all parts of the United States, and fosters an open climate and the participation of all constituents and stakeholders in choosing directions, ordering priorities, and attracting and securing resources toward achieving its mission. The Center ensures diversity by effectively integrating intercultural programs and services and training.
The Center values the essential support and involvement of the community and believes that the organization has thrived and survived because the Center has acted responsibly in utilizing the resources provided by all communities. The Lucy Idol Center is culturally sensitive, promotes freedom of choice of therapeutic alternatives, provision of services in the least restrictive environment, and advocacy of other systems and agencies when the Center cannot meet the persons needs.
Safety and Environment: Lucy Idol Center employees, officers, directors, volunteers and affiliates comply with applicable safety and environmental related laws.. Examples of these include laws prohibiting the discharge of certain materials into the air or water, and laws protecting employees and clients from exposure to toxic and certain other substances. Each employee is expected to seek advice from the Program Director or Licensed Registered Nurse when confronted with business decisions involving a risk. Employees enhance safety by following through with the Center's Safety Program and Policies.
Our General Client Goals
The Lucy Idol Center impacts individuals in the following ways:
- Individuals improve health status as a result of services.
- Individuals improve interpersonal relations.
- Individuals have modified and improved behaviors.
- Individuals improve functional and cognitive skills.
- Individuals improve mobility, strength, & stamina.
- Individuals have lessened contractures, improved posture and balance.
- Individuals improve their abilities to use common resources.
- Individuals gain the ability to interact appropriately in a community setting.
- Caregivers, families and other involved individuals improve communication involving service provision to help them reach their individual goals so they can live fulfilling lives.
- Challenge each individual, their families, and their chosen support system to set high goals and strive to meet them.
- Individuals and families have flexible program options that take into consideration the needs of the individual and their family.
Families gain necessary information and support for the individual while they are in the program and family members receive respite from round the clock care.
