Roger A. Garlich Center opens

Adults with disabilities will enjoy the natural light, space, indoor swimming pool and kitchenette at the recently completed Roger A. Garlich Center.

The 10,000-square-foot center will begin by serving 52 adults with disabilities, with a capacity to accommodate up to 90 clients. The center provides a place for crafts, games, exercise, socialization, life skills, training and clubs. A Center for Human Services committee began planning the center five years ago.

“They were guided by the knowledge that we are facing an aging population,” said Ann Graff, executive director of the Center for Human Services.

About 75 people attended the opening ceremony of the Garlich Center on Friday afternoon, which was followed by an open house for the public. The center is named in honor of Roger Garlich, who recently retired as the executive director after 48 years.

“What a privilege it is for me today to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Roger Garlich, who has truly given his life to serving those with disabilities,” said a choked up Van Van Dyne, president of the Center for Human Services board.

Garlich’s dedication can be summarized by the center’s slogan, “Seeing the potential, pointing the way,” Van Dyne said.

The center originally only offered children’s programs, but has expanded throughout the years to include services for adults. The activity center provides a place for adults with disabilities in their retirement years.

“This is a way to support people who live in their own homes and have a place to go to stay active,” Garlich said.

The building features three activity rooms which will be used for crafts, science classes and games, including a billiard table. An atrium will be a place where clients can pot plants and enjoy the sunlight. A history room near the building’s entrance documents the center’s history with photographs and artifacts.

Many of the activities at the center are already being provided at the Ewing Vocational Center, mostly in rooms without windows.

“I think the first week, staff and clients will spend looking out the windows,” said program coordinator Laura Smith.

Jim Rennison, who has been a center client since 1958, was interested in one thing — the swimming pool. Rennison, who has cerebral palsy, has done aquatic therapy through the center for nearly 22 years. He was pleased with the pool and the rest of the amenities of the Garlich Center.

“It’s a good idea,” he said. “It keeps people on their own longer. Improves the quality of life.”

Clients will begin using the center Dec. 7. Aquatic classes are scheduled to start at the new pool in mid-December.

Plans are in the works to develop a walking track, sports field and raised garden in a large fenced space at the rear of the building, with fundraising set to begin in mid-2010.

The ceremony also served as a retirement party for Garlich and re-dedication service for an addition to the Harris Center named in honor of Virginia Flower, the first president of the Center for Human Services. Garlich described Flower as a pioneer.

The addition to the Harris Center was “re-dedicated in her name so that her contributions to the community are always remembered,” he said.