For many years, Community Connections participants at the Center for Disability Services have been part of South County Community Services’ Wednesday Winners program.
Wednesday Winners is a free program designed for adults with disabilities who live in Kalamazoo County either independently, with their family, in group homes or in some other supported living arrangements.
CDS staff member Ambika and participant Evelyn pose at the Alligator Sanctuary.
Members meet weekly for exercise, activities, volunteer opportunities, social time and a nutritious meal. Special emphasis is placed on providing learning experiences with field trips, skill building and hands-on activities that stimulate the mind and expand the views of each member.
South County Community Services is the only human service agency dedicated to serving the 25,000 residents who live in southern Kalamazoo County. With a mission to work alongside families to improve quality of life, the agency serves as the dynamic hub, connecting persons at all life stages with the resources they need to manage life's challenges and opportunities.
In July, three participants at CDS’s Community Connections attended Wednesday Winners and visited the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary in Athens, Michigan. The park is a home to rescued reptiles and amphibians and provides an opportunity for people to observe alligators up close and learn about reptiles. Participants especially liked watching the alligators eat and respond to commands made by staff members when their names were called.
The Wednesday Winners Group