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“Our mission is to help each blind,
multiply disabled childbe as independ-
ent as possible. We offer a 5-day resi-
dential program, up to 5-day, day-care
program and a consultation program.
Our programming is in partnership
with the parents and family members
providing support, information and
advocacy skills to assist each child for
years to come,” Ames said.
Penrickton, which helps children
ages 1-12, is a 501(c)3 and was estab-
lished in 1952. It receives no state, fed-
eral or United Way funds and there is
no charge for its services, Ames said.
“We are able to work with blind,
multiply disabled children and their
families thanks to the help of the com-
munity, businesses, organizations and
service clubs. Canton Lions are one of
the important pieces to that puzzle;
they have assisted with cash donations
as well as clothes and toys for one of
children during the holidays.
Penrickton Center is simply dependent
on service clubs like the Canton Lions
to help us continue the work we have
beendoing for 66 years,” Ames said.
In addition to financial assistance,
Penrickton Center welcomes donations
of food and essential items, she said,
noting, “We are always in need of vol-
unteers to help out around the building
and at special events. In addition vol-
unteers can complete a special training
program to work with the children.”
More information is available at
.
“It's one of the important pieces of
the puzzle,” Ames added of Pancake
Breakfast support.
Leader Dogs for the Blind also has a
long and proud history, having operat-
ed one of largest innovative guide dog
organizations in the work since 1939.
Information about Leader Dogs for the
Blind is available at
.
org.
Anthony said Canton Lions awards
two college scholarships each year to
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park
graduates with a hearing or visual
impairment.
“As rewarding as the FBI was, this
has a different reward,” he said. “I'm
just glad I'm healthy enough,” at age 78
to participate.
The scholarship recipients talk to
the Lions about their plans. “And then
they'll come back in a year or two and
tell us how they're doing,” he said.
“It's not easy,” he added of meeting
those with disabilities. One young
woman who earned a scholarship
recently shared her growing knowl-
edge of sign language to help hearing
impairedpeople.
Younger children who receive eye-
glasses or hearing help usually see an
improvement in their school perform-
ance.
“Now they're A and B students. It's
worked out well,” Anthony said.
Lions
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