CDC Program at January 11 Rotary

Posted by John H. Frischie 
 

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At the Monday noon luncheon meeting Michael Cruz (L.), Executive Director of CDC Resources, Inc., informed club members about the services and support they provide for individuals with disabilities and their families in Northwest Central Indiana.  Comprehensive Development Resources, Inc. was originally founded by parents in 1953.  It is a 501 c3 nonprofit corporation governed by a volunteer board of directors.  CDC serves primarily Benton, Carroll, Jasper, Newton and White counties with its main service hubs in Monticello and Rensselaer.  Their goal is to nurture the talents and skills of those who are less able toward becoming productive citizens. 

 CDC helps individuals with disabilities become independent citizens through services designed to meet their needs.  Those services include:

  •  Work center services that combine vocational training with paid work experience leading to employment in the community.  Many individuals with disabilities can make valuable contributions in the workforce and not only have an income but also build self-esteem.  CDC offers packaging, assembly, clerical, salvage, document destruction, commercial janitorial and woodworking products to area businesses. CDC maintains service for INDOT at two Rest Parks, and has several commercial custodial contracts in the area.  They also operate thrift shops in Monticello and Rensselarer and are hoping to locate a third thrift shop in Kentland.  
  • CDC maintains and supervises three group homes and also four facilities with apartments for adults with disabilities.  The subsidized housing units provide homes for low-income individuals with impediments.  The Kent Village in Kentland is typical of the housing facilities.
  • Day services at CDC's hub facilities provide instruction in daily living skills, socialization, basic education, pre-vocational skills and meaningful activities for adults with severe disabilities.  There is a strong focus on self-sufficiency and survival skills as well as positive social instruction. 
  • The agency operates a fleet of 32 vehicles to make service available across the entire service area.  Because clients often don't drive and there is often no public  transportation available, it is necessary to maintain a transportation fleet even though it is expensive.     

The agency depends on Medicaid funding, county supports, grants, thrift shop profits, the generosity of donors and local community funds to cover its operating expenses which exceed $5 million annually.  For more details about CDC Resources, Inc., visit their website at cdcresources.org.  Michael Cruz was the guest of Rotarian Roberta Dewing (photo). 

 Brandt Stum 

Kentland Rotary Club