Rotary Hears About Heroes, FFDD

The Trenton Heroes and the Families and Friends of the Developmentally Disabled were the topics of a program presented at Thursday’s meeting of the Trenton Rotary Club. Sarah Ohlberg was the program chairman.
FFDD Director Sam Day said FFDD serves as an umbrella for many programs available to developmentally disabled individuals in Grundy County, including the Trenton Heroes, the Gifted Group, Camp Rainbow, etc. Over 130 individuals are being served by FFDD, which is funded with money from a tax approved by voters through Senate Bill 40. Because organizations who receive funds through SB40 are not allowed to use the money to fund events such as Special Olympics, the local athletes participate in sporting events that are not associated with that organization. Judie Leininger, who works with the Trenton Heroes, said sports such as basketball, bowling and softball are played by the participants, who also participate in water aerobics. A celebrity softball game is held each year, pitting the Trenton Heroes against a team of local residents, with funds raised going to a community project. Money has been raised for handicapped playground equipment as well as the Trenton Police Department’s Shop With a Cop.
There are many other activities offered through Trenton Heroes and FFDD, many of which are designed to teach individuals responsibility. Mrs. Leininger said the Heroes participate in a cooking class once a month, with local churches providing space for the class as well as the food items for cooking. The Heroes have adopted a street for clean-up and they also have several individuals who work at Hope Haven in Chillicothe and the Learning Center at Trenton. They attend other events such as a Kansas City Royals baseball game and local sporting events, such as NCMC men’s and women’s basketball games. A highlight this past year was a prom, where the participants were able to dress up, have a meal and dance, thanks to volunteers who helped with hair, donated prom clothing (including corsages and boutonnieres) and provided music.
During the meeting, Phil Hoffman was presented with  a Paul Harris Fellow pin in recognition of his support of Rotary on both the local and international levels.
Next week’s program chairman is Phil Hoffman. Larry Lunsford will have the program.