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Life lessonsDate: 12.07.2007
Posted by: Anabolic Info Team United States
DANVILLE - The Piedmont Independent Living Center will soon have a group home set up for people with disabilities, thanks to one man’s generous donation.
Dean Gould was going to hand the keys to his house on Paxton Street over to the city, but was told by city officials to donate it to Piedmont Independent Living Center, according to Clarence Dickerson, executive
director of the nonprofit organization.
Although he isn’t sure when the group home will open, Dickerson said Wednesday that it is designed to help people with disabilities learn to incorporate themselves into society and accept their disabilities.
People living in the group home will learn socialization skills, as well as how to budget money, pay bills, find jobs and do daily chores.
“They will be busy,” Dickerson said.
He said that he hopes the center will help temporary residents learn what it takes to be out on their own.
It is also Dickerson’s hope that with this home, the community will be more accepting of people with disabilities.
“What I really want? I want more homes like this for individuals to challenge themselves and show the community what they can do with the opportunities,” he said.
Dickerson, born with polio, said he has used his achievements in bodybuilding to overcome his disability.
“Being disabled should not be a prison for someone. One shouldn’t be ashamed or feel ashamed,” Dickerson said. “Everyone should have the American dream.”
Dickerson said that at the Piedmont Independent Living Center, “we help people look in their soul and find the jewels within themselves, and from there they become achievers in life.”
He added that this philosophy is what the group home is all about.
“We believe in giving people opportunities,” Dickerson said.
Contact Sam Burton at sburton@registerbee.com or (434) 791-7983.
INFO BOX: Donations from the community are needed to supply the Clothes/Things Closet event in September. The event is designed for individuals with disabilities to get any item that they may need free of charge. Contact the Piedmont Independent Living Center at (434) 797-2530 to donate items.
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