Feature Story and Photos by Larry H. Oskin
Building Blocks Ministries of South Lake held their 2019 Annual Achievement Celebration Awards to recognize the absolutely inspiring work of their clients with developmental disabilities, their parents, staff and our community. With leadership and direction provided by Dr. Paula Whetro; Building Blocks Ministries continues to help our community to become more aware of the wonderful individuals served by their agency as well as the impact their community partnerships are making every day here in South Lake!
Building Blocks Ministries is a 501 C-3 non-profit organization that builds lives by encouraging others to dream, empowering them to believe in themselves and engaging them in the community to achieve their dreams. Building Blocks Ministries is a Medicaid Waiver Provider operating under the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the iBudget Waiver Program. Building Blocks Ministries is governed by a 10-member board of directors. They are a member of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce and Lake Sumter Grantsmanship Network.
Top Achievement Celebration Awards: The President’s Gold Volunteer Service Awards were presented by Patricia Kry who is with the Faith Neighborhood Center to the individuals in the Building Blocks Ministries’ Community Involvement and Exploring Work classes who volunteer weekly at Faith Neighborhood Center.
Top Building Blocks Ministries Programs: Some of their many new Community Program Partnerships include the South Lake Hospital. Tamara McLanahan, the Orlando Health representative shared information about the new partnership that has provided Individuals in our program the opportunity to tour different areas at the Hospital as well as the National Training Center. In 2020, this partnership will expand to include volunteer opportunities for those in our Exploring Work classes. Secondly, they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Habitat for Humanity of Lake & Sumter “Your Hometown Habitat” Program by providing individuals in their gardening classes to plant shrubs, bushes and flowers at the newly constructed Habitat homes. To date, this class has completed landscaping at two new Habitat homes. Thirdly, Rosemary Demont with Not Just Dance of Clermont was called up Christain Walker to recognize his fabulous dance moves and his very positive willingness to help others in their dance classes. Other valuable activities include daily exercise, reading, the Pink Bow Foundation, an annual Diaper Drive and their Support Our Troops Program.
Presentation Speakers included Dr. Paula Whetro, Executive Director at Building Blocks Ministries; Daniel Whitehouse, Esq, Attorney at Whitehouse Cooper; Curt Henderson, Board of Directors Chair; Peter Hornbuckle, Program Director; Jessica Strunk, Program Manager; Coretta Daniels, Case Manager and Lora Whetro,
Agency Administrator & Event Planner. Other individuals in their Building Blocks Ministries Program who shared presentations were Anne Pillows, their Aktion Club President. She had a goal of being the Aktion Club’s President. She accomplished that goal in October when she won the club’s election. Laura Clements was called up to share what she liked about the Daily Living Skills Class. She and her peers are responsible for managing the Monday and Friday lunch orders, counting money, making change and writing receipts.
Dr. Paula Whetro Notes, “In 2005 I found myself standing at a life and career crossroads. I was working as a Waiver Support Coordinator, when I felt God tugging at my heart to begin a Day Training Program to serve adults with developmental disabilities here in South Lake. The program I envisioned would be one that engaged adults with developmental disabilities in the community and would be a place where someone would show them how to learn the things that are important to them. On August 1, 2006, Building Blocks Ministries opened the doors to begin our journey.” Dr. Whetro holds a PhD in Clinical Christian Counseling and with her husband Kerry, they have an adult daughter with a developmental disability. Much of her life has been dedicated to finding ways to help adults with developmental disabilities achieve their dreams!
Building Blocks Values: Integrity with Faith, Inclusion & Love; Collaboration with Creativity & Independence plus Accountability with Sustainability & Lifetime learning
Building Blocks Mission: To serve individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to dream, believe, and achieve through advocacy, coalition building, and job and life skills training in a safe and trusted environment.
Building Blocks Vision: Full inclusion and participation of individuals with developmental disabilities in all aspects of our community.
Event Sponsors: Graciously supporting this event were Advance Tech Pest Management, Cashwell Accounting, JP Perry of Edward Jones Kiwanis of Clermont, Kiwanis of South Lake, Kyle Promotions, Living Message Church, Smithwell Lawn Care, South Lake Tablet and The Life Center Chiropractic.
Building Blocks Ministries Share Annual Achievement Celebration Awards
For More Information: Contact Building Blocks Ministries located at 548 South US Highway 27, Suites B & C, Minneola, FL 34715. Call: 352-536-9264. Visit: www.buildingblocksministries.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/BuildingBlocksMinistriesInc
