WBAY joined us at our Community Programs Collective Open House. Read the article about our event by Jamal James below.
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (WBAY) – Local non-profit Valley Packaging Industries Incorporated (VPI) opened its brand new “Community Programs Collective” building in Grand Chute on Wednesday.
It provides adult day services for families with loved ones who have physical and intellectual disabilities so they can live an independent life.
For many people, cutting the ribbon at their grand opening meant a bright future for people looking to make an impact.
“I like the space here, with everybody here, like Camille,” says Amanda.
“It’s been a long time coming, and we can not wait to serve more individuals,” says Tammy Mitchell.
This new $3.8 million multi-purpose building gives its clients with disabilities like dementia or cerebral palsy the skills to live an independent life to the best of their abilities, offering things like an activity center, classrooms, and a training kitchen.
If you start to feel overstimulated, they also offer sensory rooms to help regulate those nerves and calm you down. VPI also provides a number of social outings and exercises to get them more connected with the community.
Tammy Mitchell, one of the case managers, says it means a lot to see how engaged her clients get for activities like their cooking club.
“Helping that individual understand what healthy foods are and the proper way to prepare a meal and follow a recipe. They just smile when they do it and they get it. It’s a life skill,” says Mitchell.
Amanda, one of Tammy’s clients, says she loves what this place does and shared some of her favorite parts.
“I like playing basketball with Nick at the YMCA,” says Amanda. “I like to play Wii Bowling and knock down all the pins and get spares.”
VPI provides services in Outagamie, Winnebago, Waupaca, Fond du Lac, and Calumet counties, working with thousands of people with a wide range of physical and intellectual challenges for nearly 70 years and counting.
Read the full article here.
