Published: July 06, 2008 12:24 am      

DAC gives clients tools needed to lead productive life

Children, adults with developmental disabilities served; new building needed

FAIRMONT — The Disability Action Center, formerly the ARC of Marion County, provides education, social and recreational activities for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

According to Yvonne Moyer, executive director of the DAC, the agency provides services to 150 families in the county. The agency works to provide developmentally disabled individuals with the tools they need to live a productive life.

The DAC’s clients take classes in such topics as nutrition, and they learn how to cook along with other independent living skills. However, there is currently one problem at the DAC.

“We’re outgrowing our building,” Moyer said.

The DAC is currently located in the Professional Building on Cleveland Avenue. The agency has been housed in this building for several years, Moyer said. But she added that officials with the DAC, which is a United Way agency, are now looking at relocating into a larger facility.

According to Moyer, DAC officials are exploring the possibility of purchasing the Christopher Columbus Building on Pennsylvania Avenue. She added that the new building, if purchased, would fit the needs of the DAC perfectly.

“It would give us room for additional growth,” she said.

Moyer pointed out that the building is not just bigger than the DAC’s current facility, but the land outside of the structure also offers opportunities. She pointed out that a basketball court could be built outside the building for the DAC’s clients.

“And we could even build a small practice gym for the Special Olympians,” she said.

However, there is one major obstacle standing in the way of the DAC’s move — money.

The new building could cost in excess of $20,000, Moyer said. She added that the agency received a $32,000 USDA Rural Development grant procured by Congressman Alan Mollohan. Moyer also pointed out that the Marion County Commission also donated $2,500 to the agency.

“And we had about $15,000 in an account that we would use to help buy the new building,” she said. “But we’re in desperate need of funding.”

Donations for the center are being accepted and a fund has been set up. Anyone wishing to donate funds can send a check to Huntington Bank, 103 Adams St., Fairmont, WV 26555. A notation stating that the check is for the DAC should be made on the memo line of the check.

E-mail Paul Fallon at pfallon@timeswv.com.