Pioneer Center celebrates rehabilitation month

Pioneer Center for Human Services is spreading the news about National Rehabilitation Awareness month - September. The month is designed to promote the value of rehabilitation, highlight the capabilities of people with disabilities; salute the professionals who provide service to people with disabilities and renew the nation's commitment to fulfill the unmet needs of people with disabilities.

"Rehabilitation restores independence while providing the individual with the means to achieve their full potential. By helping adults and children with disabilities to reach optimal function and independence is what we are all about," said Lorraine Kopczynski, president and CEO of Pioneer Center for Human Services.

To celebrate Pioneer Day and National Rehab month, a reception was held Sept. 15 for elected officials and other friends of Pioneer. A new National Rehab flag was raised and the national anthem was sung by client Michael Holt. The event concluded with a tour of Pioneer's facilities.

Special guest speakers in attendance to celebrate and honor Pioneer Center for Human Services role in the community for more than 50 years during National Rehab month were: McHenry Mayor Sue Low, state Rep. Mike Tryon and Rand Haas, a representative from Congresswoman Melissa Bean's office. Sandy Huff and Tommy Stone, clients who have received services from Pioneer Center for Human Services for 50 years, also were in attendance.

Pioneer Center for Human Services, is headquartered in McHenry but has a diverse array of programs and services available throughout the county to the public. Under its umbrella are: victims of sexual assault through the VOICE program, people who are homeless through the PADS program, people recovering from mental illness through NEW DIRECTIONS, a Psychosocial Rehabilitation program, children with early learning delays through the Early Intervention Program, people with Traumatic Brain Injury, people in need of Employment Development Services, Community Employment Services, people in need of assistive technology assessment and training.

The observance of Rehabilitation Awareness month is a salute to the determination of more than 50 million Americans with disabilities. For information, visit pioneercenter.org.