Well Being of the Disabled

United Way supports health & human service programs as well as partners with local advocates, healthcare professionals, businesses, faith leaders, and policy makers to help ensure people with disabilities receive services they need to stay healthy & thrive. Programs are supported that provide education, advocacy, integration, and opportunities for people with physical, psychiatric, and/or developmental disabilities so that can achieve equal opportunities in all aspects of life.

The Creative Center works with adults with developmental disabilities, encouraging development through the arts and life skills training. Maria has learned to express herself through many forms of art. "At first I was shy, I didn't know how to speak up for myself. The Creative Center lifted me from my shell. I have come a long way." She now teaches a workshop at the Central Valley Regional Center about rights and responsibilities for adults with disabilities. — Maria

The Creative Center is a

United Way of Tulare County Affiliate

Objectives

Support programs that provide access to healthcare programs, mental health services, and transportation
Support programs that provide respite care for caretakers
Support programs that provide volunteer community service and involvement activities, life skills training, job training/employment, nutrition and safety education, and self expression through the arts
Support programs that provide physical, therapeutic, and social activities

Outcomes

Improved quality of life
Improved overall health
Reduced abuse and fraud
Increased access to day programs
Increased community-based living
Provide respite care for caretakers
Increased independent living and self-reliance

Rich's car accident left him with the use of only one side of his body, requiring care 24 hrs a day; a lot to ask of his aging parents. Porterville Adult Day Services provide Rich with the care he needs, socialization, and meaningful activities. "In the beginning, we even had to teach him how to blink his eyes. I just don't know what we would have done without Porterville Adult Day Services." — Ruth N.

Porterville Adult Day Services is a United Way of Tulare County Affiliate