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March 05. 2013 11:21PM
Susan Paquette, a client at The PLUS Co. in Nashua, works on completing a puzzle on Tuesday at the facility, 19 Chestnut St. Kimberly Houghton
NASHUA - Hundreds of adults struggling to gain their independence and find a place in the world reach out to a city organization that is determined to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
For women like Kristen Forsberg and Susan Paquette, the PLUS Company Inc. has become their haven, teaching them how to overcome everyday challenges, take care of themselves, find a job and socialize in a growing city.
"Our focus is to try to get these individuals out into the community as much as possible and to become as independent as possible," said Cynthia Andreola, director of marketing and communications.
There are about 350 men and women taking advantage of more than 60 programs offered by The PLUS Co., an acronym for People Learning Useful Skills. Its mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities by providing support and services that maximize independence.
The company's Adult Education program offers people like Forsberg and Paquette various classes such as baking, cooking, gardening, art, drama, dancing, swimming, music and yoga. It provides health and nutrition workshops, life and social skills classes, literacy, public speaking, self advocacy classes and money management seminars.
Adults of all ages suffering from autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, brain injuries and more, are embraced at The PLUS Co. and taught to make the most of their abilities. Forty years ago, many of these individuals would not have been integrated into the community, according to Andreola, who said it is important to educate the public about their accomplishments, challenges and goals.
"Research has suggested that students with intellectual disabilities are capable of continuing to learn beyond high school age. Throughout the nation, programs are being created that teach enrichment courses as well as life skills," says a release. "The PLUS Co. has been working to empower adults with developmental disabilities to maximize their independence for 40 years."
Clients still receive a mixed response from the business community, according to Ellen Greten, manager in business services.
However, she praised two local companies that have long-standing commitments to hiring PLUS clients, including Benchmark Electronics Inc. of Nashua and Specialty Coating Systems of Amherst.
Many volunteers from the program also rake leaves and clean up trash at city parks, an initiative that is desperately needed in the city, Greten said.
The PLUS Co. is a nonprofit organization, which is paid for with state and federal funds, that helps challenged adults find employment opportunities by offering job training and providing referrals. The human services agency assists individuals with daily living skills such as shopping, housekeeping, budgets and transportation, while also arranging health care appointments, trips to the beach or family visits.
Another major part of The PLUS Co.'s services include arranging living situations through group homes, adult family care, staffed apartments or companion and roommate programs.
This year, The PLUS Co. is celebrating 41 years of service to the greater Nashua area. With 125 employees, 160 volunteers and a board of directors, it is a team effort to ensure that all of The PLUS Co. clients are being taken care of, according to employees.
One of The PLUS Company's largest fundraisers each year is its Wild Irish Breakfast, which has been planned for 7 a.m. on March 15 at the Radisson Hotel in Nashua. Seating is still available for the event. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the company's Adult Education Program.
Guest speakers for the 22nd annual Wild Irish Breakfast include master of ceremonies Bernie Streeter, Gov. Maggie Hassan, Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, Bruins legend Bob Sweeney, Sen. Peggy Gilmour, attorney Jim Reidy and honorary Irishman Dan Chan.
Coffee will be served at 7 a.m., with the breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the program starting at 7:45 a.m.
The event is presented in part by the New Hampshire Union Leader.
Tickets are available for $85 each by calling 889-0652 and asking for Cynthia Andreola.
Raffle tickets are also being sold three for $10. The owner of the winning raffle ticket, who does not have to be present to win, will be awarded a trip for two to Ireland. Financial donations or checks for raffle tickets may be mailed directly to The PLUS Co., attn: Lisa D'Errico, 19 Chestnut St., Nashua NH 03060 by March 11.
khoughton@newstote.com
PLUS Co. specializes in helping others thrive
Susan Paquette, a client at The PLUS Co. in Nashua, works on completing a puzzle on Tuesday at the facility, 19 Chestnut St. Kimberly Houghton
For women like Kristen Forsberg and Susan Paquette, the PLUS Company Inc. has become their haven, teaching them how to overcome everyday challenges, take care of themselves, find a job and socialize in a growing city.
"Our focus is to try to get these individuals out into the community as much as possible and to become as independent as possible," said Cynthia Andreola, director of marketing and communications.
There are about 350 men and women taking advantage of more than 60 programs offered by The PLUS Co., an acronym for People Learning Useful Skills. Its mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities by providing support and services that maximize independence.
The company's Adult Education program offers people like Forsberg and Paquette various classes such as baking, cooking, gardening, art, drama, dancing, swimming, music and yoga. It provides health and nutrition workshops, life and social skills classes, literacy, public speaking, self advocacy classes and money management seminars.
Adults of all ages suffering from autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, brain injuries and more, are embraced at The PLUS Co. and taught to make the most of their abilities. Forty years ago, many of these individuals would not have been integrated into the community, according to Andreola, who said it is important to educate the public about their accomplishments, challenges and goals.
"Research has suggested that students with intellectual disabilities are capable of continuing to learn beyond high school age. Throughout the nation, programs are being created that teach enrichment courses as well as life skills," says a release. "The PLUS Co. has been working to empower adults with developmental disabilities to maximize their independence for 40 years."
Clients still receive a mixed response from the business community, according to Ellen Greten, manager in business services.
However, she praised two local companies that have long-standing commitments to hiring PLUS clients, including Benchmark Electronics Inc. of Nashua and Specialty Coating Systems of Amherst.
Many volunteers from the program also rake leaves and clean up trash at city parks, an initiative that is desperately needed in the city, Greten said.
The PLUS Co. is a nonprofit organization, which is paid for with state and federal funds, that helps challenged adults find employment opportunities by offering job training and providing referrals. The human services agency assists individuals with daily living skills such as shopping, housekeeping, budgets and transportation, while also arranging health care appointments, trips to the beach or family visits.
Another major part of The PLUS Co.'s services include arranging living situations through group homes, adult family care, staffed apartments or companion and roommate programs.
This year, The PLUS Co. is celebrating 41 years of service to the greater Nashua area. With 125 employees, 160 volunteers and a board of directors, it is a team effort to ensure that all of The PLUS Co. clients are being taken care of, according to employees.
One of The PLUS Company's largest fundraisers each year is its Wild Irish Breakfast, which has been planned for 7 a.m. on March 15 at the Radisson Hotel in Nashua. Seating is still available for the event. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the company's Adult Education Program.
Guest speakers for the 22nd annual Wild Irish Breakfast include master of ceremonies Bernie Streeter, Gov. Maggie Hassan, Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, Bruins legend Bob Sweeney, Sen. Peggy Gilmour, attorney Jim Reidy and honorary Irishman Dan Chan.
Coffee will be served at 7 a.m., with the breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the program starting at 7:45 a.m.
The event is presented in part by the New Hampshire Union Leader.
Tickets are available for $85 each by calling 889-0652 and asking for Cynthia Andreola.
Raffle tickets are also being sold three for $10. The owner of the winning raffle ticket, who does not have to be present to win, will be awarded a trip for two to Ireland. Financial donations or checks for raffle tickets may be mailed directly to The PLUS Co., attn: Lisa D'Errico, 19 Chestnut St., Nashua NH 03060 by March 11.
khoughton@newstote.com
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