November and December 2021 Calendar and Newsletter

#Higherground Building Fund and DAC Relocation

Our center has been so blessed with support since the flooding in June 2021. Thanks to tremendous support from our state, county, and city representatives, generous grantors, and faithful donors, the DAC has secured the funds for relocation to our new facility at 448 Leonard Ave. in Fairmont.

Renovations are underway at the new location, including expanding classroom space, creating the instructional kitchen space, and adding additional restrooms. The renovations to the new space will happen in phases, but we are confident of a seamless transition of services from the 102 Benoni Ave. location to the new site. The move in date to the new site is not yet determined but we hope it will be by the year’s end.

We will keep you abreast of the status of renovations and a possible move date to the new location. There is still much work to be done and funds still to be secured. We appreciate your patience and support throughout this process and there are still many ways you can help:

• We are still accepting donations and actively seeking grants to help with the renovations of the new facility. Donations can be made directly to the DAC at 102 Benoni Ave. Fairmont; to the DAC Building Fund C/O WesBanco Bank, 301 Adams St. Fairmont, WV 26554; or via the established GoFundMe by following the link: https://gofund.me/93cceaa4.
• Consider volunteering to help pack the many offices and classrooms of the DAC when the time comes (moving will be coordinated through a moving company).
• Pray for our center, staff, clients, and families as we work together to make this move to a safer, healthier environment for many years to come.  

COVID-19 Guidelines and Mask Policy

Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases throughout our region, the DAC will require mask use when participating in group, indoor activities, regardless of vaccination status. Staff and volunteers are not required to wear masks when working independently in their private offices, however, masks will be required in all common areas and group activities.
The DAC will continue to follow all CDC and Health Department guidelines pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please stay tuned for updates and recommendations.

Friday Night Out- November 12, 2021

Our Friday Night Out will be held on November 12, 2021 from 5-6 p.m. In maintaining our commitment to safety, the FNO will be a drive by/pick up event as we are unable to meet in large groups at this time. Stay tuned for details.

Membership and Policy Updates:
Please be sure to update your Level of Support Policy with the DAC as there are changes in your support needs or recommendations. You should update your plan due to age or beginning to receive Title 19 IDD Waiver services…either through wait list approval or coming off of the waitlist and completing your IPP Plan.

New Membership applications will be available in December for the new program year beginning January 2022. Please update any policy forms or membership at that time.

Sub Sale…..November 18 and 19, 2021

Please visit our website or stop in for your Sub Sale order form. You can start taking sub orders at any time and they will be made fresh for delivery or pick up on November 18^th or November 19^th.

Volunteers are also needed on November 18th and 19th to prepare for the sale, make the subs, deliver the subs, and help out in any way!

Most of all we need to SELL THOSE SUBS!

Please call the center (304) 366-3213 and sign up if you are interested in volunteering!

Painting with Acrylics-Mondays from 10-11:30 a.m.

Participants must pre-register and join the group at the beginning of a project. Each project generally takes 3-4 sessions to complete. Call Felicia at the DAC to pre-register or for more information.

Christmas Decorating and Hanging of the Greens

November 23th, 2021     1-3 p.m.

Our Annual Christmas Decorating and Hanging of the Greens at the Center will take place Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at the Center. As part of our regularly scheduled Community Service, clients and families are welcome to come and enjoy food and fellowship while giving back and decorating. This is YOUR center and we want you to be a part of making it shine during the Holidays and all year through!  Refreshments will be provided.

School Closing Schedule

Winter is fast approaching and we are sure to get some wild wonderful WV weather! We will be following the Marion County School Closing Schedule. If school is cancelled then our classes/programs will be as well. If there is a 2 hour delay, we will have classes/programs as scheduled. If there is an early dismissal, our classes/programs will be cancelled

GO! (Get Outdoors) Activities

November 10, 2021   1-3 p.m. To be Determined
December 8, 2021   10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Christmas Shopping

Christmas Shopping at Meadowbrook Mall. Meet at DAC at 9:30 p.m.
Have shopping list and money for lunch and shopping with you.

Limit 8 participants due to safe transportation practices. Additional participants must provide their own transportation. Please call and reserve your spot!

DAC Christmas Open House 2021

Date to Be Determined

We are so excited for you to see the new DAC location at 448 Leonard Ave. Renovations are moving right along and we are hopeful to have a Christmas Open House to celebrate the holiday season and this big move!
The Christmas Open House will take the place of our dinner and program this year but all clients and families will still receive a special gift and goodies!

Please be patient as we continue with renovations, details of the Christmas Open House, and projected move date.
Formal invite will be released once a date is determined.

Experience IT Co-Op-School Year Schedule

Full STEM Ahead and Creative Arts

A partnership of the DAC and Homestead Farm Center

The DAC and HFC are pleased continue the very successful Enrichment Programs including:

• Abilibots (adult robotics class) on Tuesdays 10 to 11:30 a.m. (Class will resume in 2022, the New Year)
• Try This Thursday (TTT) on Thursday from 10-11:30 a.m.
• November and December TTT: Novel Writing-Cynthia Garcia

          Tuesday Enrichment: November: The 5 Senses December: Handmade for the Holidays SPECIAL NOTE: Handbell Choir will begin to meet again on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. in November and December. The choir will pre-record a performance for Christmas