First Step in Hot Springs has
been an annual recipient of funds raised in Council 10208's Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities. At the March 5 membership meeting, Ann Baxter addressed the knights to update them on the services of their beneficiary which received $2,650from the 2012 Campaign.
While First Step occupies two square blocks in Hot Springs with its main office located at 407 Carson Street, it also has facilities in six other Arkansas communities, including Malvern, Fordyce, Glenwood, Mt. Ida, Sparkman, and Hamburg.
Having started in 1958 as the Garland County Association for Retarded Children with one teacher and seven students, First Step offers "multiple programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Early intervention is its forte! On the recommendation from a physician, the staff can evaluate and advise a course of action to help achieve the best possible results." Services include school (preschool and regular), therapy, adult, and supported living (personal care, home care, and case management).
With a staff of 1,000 full- and part-time employees, it serves 1,900 clients from a 27-county area. It is a private, non-profit organization that does not receive any state or federal support. However, many of the clients do receive state and federal financial assistance to pay First Step for its services.
First Step "rewards individuals for reaching their goals. That's why First Step rings with shouts of laughter of kids playing, discovering, and growing...it is a world of adults, who, like other adults, are learning life skills necessary for productive and independent living."
Pam Bland, Executive Director of First Step states, "We are committed to helping ordinary families faced with extraordinary circumstances get the help they need."
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| In December, Grand Knight Bill Roe (l) and CPID Co-Chair Milt Spaniel presented Namcy Baxter with a check from the 2012 Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities. |
While First Step occupies two square blocks in Hot Springs with its main office located at 407 Carson Street, it also has facilities in six other Arkansas communities, including Malvern, Fordyce, Glenwood, Mt. Ida, Sparkman, and Hamburg.
Having started in 1958 as the Garland County Association for Retarded Children with one teacher and seven students, First Step offers "multiple programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Early intervention is its forte! On the recommendation from a physician, the staff can evaluate and advise a course of action to help achieve the best possible results." Services include school (preschool and regular), therapy, adult, and supported living (personal care, home care, and case management).
With a staff of 1,000 full- and part-time employees, it serves 1,900 clients from a 27-county area. It is a private, non-profit organization that does not receive any state or federal support. However, many of the clients do receive state and federal financial assistance to pay First Step for its services.
First Step "rewards individuals for reaching their goals. That's why First Step rings with shouts of laughter of kids playing, discovering, and growing...it is a world of adults, who, like other adults, are learning life skills necessary for productive and independent living."
Pam Bland, Executive Director of First Step states, "We are committed to helping ordinary families faced with extraordinary circumstances get the help they need."