From the Courier Journal
FLORENCE – Jana Haggard, Executive Director of North Central Alabama 310, presented State Senator Tim Melson of Florence with the Legislator of the Year honor from the Alabama 310 Authority for his work in helping people with developmental disabilities. The presentation took place at SCOPE 310 in the Florence Industrial Park.
“These types of facilities help individuals grow, interact, and become more functional in society,” Melson said. “The life skills they can learn here are immeasurable.”
Haggard oversees the 310 program in Limestone, Lawrence, and Morgan counties. The program in Lauderdale, Colbert and Franklin County is called SCOPE 310, an acronym for Shoals Committee on Programs and Employment. SCOPE 310 is directed by Arvy Dupuy and is located at 4129 Helton Drive in Florence.
“Each year our association honors a legislator who champions efforts to expand services and improve funding for existing services for individuals with developmental disabilities,” Dupuy said. “Sen. Melson has been a tireless advocate for this group; working not only to better their lives but to positively impact the lives of their families as well.”
The public non-profit organization was incorporated under ACT 310 of the Alabama Legislature in order to serve individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. SCOPE 310 does this in a variety of ways at no cost to anyone they serve.
The Blue Door Thrift Store on-site is a primary fundraising arm for SCOPE 310. Proceeds from the Blue Door help fund the programs for the clients who have substantial functional limitations in day-to-day living. Several of them are also employed at the store giving their lives a productive aspect which provides several benefits, like earning an income, challenging their minds, keeping them organized, and instilling some self-esteem.
For more information on SCOPE 310, call 256-768-0901.