Independent living center celebrates its new location
By TIFFANY S. JONES
contactus@jacksonsun.com
Feb 14 2004Norris Branic's smiling face and upbeat personality greeted everyone as they walked into the new facilities of the Jackson Center for Independent Living.
"Smile," he said as he snapped pictures of attendees at Friday's open house.
Branic, 33, is an Americans with Disabilities Act advocate for JCIL. Being a wheelchair-user, he understands the importance of having someone on your side. "It's always good to know you have somebody in your corner," he said.
The purpose of JCIL is to help people with disabilities to reach their independent living goals, said Phillip Merrell, independent living services coordinator.
The organization opened its new location in the former University School of Jackson building on Hollywood Drive, across from the Poplar Heights Baptist Church. JCIL moved from its previous North Parkway location after Madison County decided to lease the building to nonprofit organizations.
"The new facility will give us more room to operate," JCIL executive director Glen Barr said.
He is pleased that the extension of the space will allow them the opportunity to initiate sports and recreation.
"Volunteers will make it possible for people with disabilities to hunt, fish and participate in other sporting activities," Barr said.
In preparation for the grand opening of the new facilities, Aurora Foods of Jackson donated food and Brassfield Construction, Brinks Security and Bobrick Washroom Equipment gave discounted services.
JCIL works for all significant disabilities. Barr said they often use the term "cross disabilities" because their services cross all lines of disability and age.
The agency serves what Barr estimated to be about 400 people annually through the independent program and its service to the deaf community.
"We offer four core services: information and referral, skills training, peer counseling and advocacy," Merrell said.
It is mandatory that those four services be offered because of the federal funding JCIL receives. After those four obligations are fulfilled, the organization is free to address community needs as allowed by funding.
"All of our United Way contributions are used for home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps," Barr said.
Branic is one of many employees of the United Way agency who have disabilities.
"It is mandated by the feds (U.S. Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services) that the majority of our staff and board of directors be people with disabilities," Barr said.
Branic was hired 10 months ago after his vocational rehabilitation counselor, Stacy Manley, whom he calls the "wind beneath my wings," put a call in to Barr.
"I met him, and he liked my personality and decided to give me a chance," he said.
- Tiffany Jones, (731) 421-1892