Wendell Foster's Quarterly Connections brings together people, resources

Aug. 25--Everyone knows business is about building relationships.

For more than a year, Wendell Foster has hosted Quarterly Connection, a series of quarterly meetings to bring together people and organizations that serve the disabled community.

The morning meetings start with coffee and Rolling Pin Pastry Shop goodies.

Wendell Foster officials make a brief statement. Then, the audience hears from a couple of guest speakers.

At the next meeting on Oct. 23, for example, Shantel DeBortoli will speak about After Hours with Isaiah, a new social club for adults with intellectual disabilities, and Kelly Flick will talk about Dream Riders of Kentucky, which provides equine therapy for disabled people.

After the meeting ends, the group networks.

"We'll have people stay over an hour interacting with each other," said John Gleason, Wendell Foster community outreach specialist.

Gleason said the meetings draw a wide audience of medical and behavioral specialists, program directors and educators. On average, about 30 people come each time.

Tiffany Thrash, executive director of the Green River Area Down Syndrome Association, tries to attend each Quarterly Connection.

"(Attendees) advocate for all types of people," Thrash said. "It's nice that (this event) brings us together."

As the result of a meeting last year, GRADSA and Dream Riders teamed up on a spring picnic. Also, Thrash often learns something about changes in government programs that may affect her members.

She's eager to hear more about After Hours with Isaiah in October because she thinks some GRADSA members will be interested.

Thrash doesn't know of any other joint meeting for organizations that provide services to the disabled population. "I'm glad (Wendell Foster) is doing it," she said.

Flick appreciates the meetings, too.

"It's a great way to learn about new or existing resources in the community for people with disabilities," she said. "It helps our organizations grow and become stronger."

Renee Beasley Jones, 270-228-2835, rbeasleyjones@messenger-inquirer.com

Want to go?

The next Wendell Foster Quarterly Connection takes place at 8:30 a.m.Oct. 23 at the Young Meeting House on the Wendell Foster campus, 815 Triplett St. The meetings are free to the public.

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