Mission Statement: To safeguard and enrich the lives of intellectually and developmentally disabled residents of the Bellefontaine Habilitation Center so that they can attain and maintain their highest level of abilities.
GOALS:
1. Educate families, staff, policymakers, lawmakers, and the public about services needed by Bellefontaine Habilitation Center residents who have been diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and who many times have multiple physical impairments, extreme behavior challenges, and complex medical needs.
2. Educate others about the services available at habilitation centers.
3. Raise funds for items and activities to enhance the daily lives of residents.
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BELLEFONTAINE HABILITATION CENTER PARENTS ASSOCIATION – 2015 – 50th ANNIVERSARY
The amazing accomplishments of the Bellefontaine Habilitation Center Parents Association (first named Parents Association of the State School and Hospital) are the results of persistent dedication and hard work.
Since 1965 the Parents Association has been vigilant in seeing that the intellectually disabled residents of the Bellefontaine Habilitation Center (BHC) receive necessary services for their safety, health, and well-being. The organization has been continually active on the local, state and national level to give a voice to the residents who have no voice of their own. Over the years, major funding has been earned from the untiring work of the volunteers of the Hidden Treasure Thrift Shop. These funds, along with donations and tributes from members and others, have been used to benefit the residents. Each year thousands of dollars from the Parents Association have provided an abundance of enjoyable extras for the residents. Also, to express appreciation to employees of BHC, the Parents Association has held the Annual Employee Recognition Dinner.
1960’s - Parents organized
It all began in 1965 with a group of 27 dedicated parents who developed plans to organize a Parents Association to work for better services and living conditions for the residents of the then St. Louis State School and Hospital. This organization of parents meant having the power to work for positive change with legislators and the Department of Mental Health administration.
Over the next few years, many other parents, relatives, guardians, and friends joined the Parents Association. They volunteered time, made donations, and began to help form public policy about the care of Missouri residents with an intellectual disability.
1970’s - Parents Association is a force for positive change
The 1970’s were filled with petitioning for new group homes on the grounds. Letters, phone calls, testifying at hearings of the Missouri legislature in Jefferson City, personal visits with legislators, and discussions with the Department of Mental Health made this dream come true.
In 1974 Governor Christopher Bond attended the groundbreaking for the first 10 new group homes on the campus. More group homes were built in the next several years for a total of 34. Plans for construction of the therapeutic pool also began.
Other positive changes at this time were the establishment of the Birthday Cake and Birthday Gift Fund which provided a birthday cake and gift for every resident. Major purchases such as televisions were paid for by the Parents Association.
1980’s – Parents Association continues to represent BHC residents
The multipurpose building was built providing new offices, program areas, and a gymnasium.
The 1980’s brought about a concerted effort to move residents into community placements because Medicaid waiver money became available. The idea of “deinstitutionalization” began to take hold. The Parents Association persevered to maintain the positive changes that had been accomplished. Ongoing education of the legislators continued.
Thousands of dollars from the Parents Association continued to provide fun and enjoyment for the residents.
1990’s - Parents Association continues to educate
Community placements were on the rise. The Parents Association continued to educate legislators about faulty cost comparisons of community placement and habilitation centers. It was pointed out that habilitation centers costs were all inclusive, whereas costs of community placements did not include everything offered in habilitation centers. Frequent contact with legislators continued.
Funding for extra activities for the residents continued.
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BELLEFONTAINE HABILITATION CENTER PARENTS ASSOCIATION
2000 to present – Parents Association stands firm
In 2005 Governor Matt Blunt called for the total closure of the Bellefontaine Habilitation Center. Legal representation was sought, numerous trips to the Capitol in Jefferson City were made, editorials were published, questions from news reporters were answered, and a Keep BHC Open rally was organized with the help of Metropolitan Congregations United. Once again, a vocal and persistent Parents Association defended the rights of the residents of Bellefontaine Habilitation Center. With the devoted support of then Representative Gina Walsh (now Senator) and Senator Tim Green (now retired), appropriations were approved to build 4 new buildings, to renovate existing group homes, and to raze older buildings. Jerry Ford and Jim Mulvaney also supported and worked hard for the new buildings and renovations.
The 4 new group homes opened in 2012. Renovations and demolition are almost complete.
To the Parents Association’s great dismay, several of the group homes have been torn down.
The Parents Association continues funding for extras such as:
BIRTHDAY CAKES AND GIFTS
HOLIDAY PARTIES
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS HOME FURNISHINGS
SPECIAL PROGRAM FUNDS PICNIC FUNDS
DANCE BANDS CAMP FUNDS
STAFF APPRECIATON
For over 50 years many devoted board members, committee members, and general members have given time and talent to the Parents Association to enable the association to be an influential leader concerning policies that affect the daily lives of the BHC residents.
The following quote from VOR, a national nonprofit organization advocating for high quality care and human rights for all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, points to the success of the Parents Association and gives direction to the future efforts of the Parents Association:
“Families are the most effective voice for their disabled loved ones.”
“They know best. It is critical that families be on the frontlines educating legislators and state officials about the unparalleled, comprehensive and highly specialized care their loved ones receive.”