The Golden Touch of Central Florida, Inc. is a first-class Adult Day Training (ADT) facility service that is committed to fostering compassion and improving tomorrow for those persons with disabilities. The newly opened adult day training center is located at 109 N. Lake Avenue (Hwy 19), Groveland.  The center is dedicated to helping those with developmental disabilities to live their life to the fullest while creating a family atmosphere that creates a better tomorrow. “We strive to offer a community that promotes self-respect, independence, and improves the quality of life for all of our participants.” (Ronald Smith, CEO)

“With a population of over 297,000 people in Lake County and only a few Adult Day Training Centers in Lake County and none in Groveland, there is definitely a need to provide a feeling of inclusion to this population of individuals”, said owner Ronald Smith.  “That is why we have decided to position our establishment to meet this need for adults 18 and older to train them to become acclimated in the community, to obtain employment, and to gain more independence physically, socially, and mentally”.

The Golden Touch will offer opportunities to socialize, exercise, and learn. The program’s intent is to improve the lives of the participants and to teach new skills through a variety of activities and programs. Doing so, the facility will provide the participants with the skills they need to live as independently as possible. These programs will instill a variety of skills including communicating with others, making personal choices, eating independently, personal hygiene, domestic skills, developing hobbies and interests, and developing basic work skills. Each person’s program will be individually designed to meet their personal needs and skills.

These skills will be emphasized through a variety of activities designed and coordinated by the ADT Program staff. In addition, many entertainment and social activities will be incorporated. These include a variety of games and sports, exercise time, gardening activities, arts and crafts, table games, music and singing time, and many others. Another important aspect of the day program will be community service projects. This part of the program will teach the participants the importance of giving back to the community. All ADT Program activities will primarily take place at the facility, but field trips will be offered on occasion.

The Golden Touch of Central Florida is a privately held establishment run by its owner, Mr. Ronald Smith and Dr. Calandria Smith. Ronald Smith has over 22 years of experience in Management and Leadership holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. Additionally, Dr. Smith is embarking upon the 20-year mark of Educational training experience. In fact, Dr. Smith has a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services (Emphasis in Public Service Leadership), a Master of Business Administration General, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics.

The Executive Administrator, Gisele Proctor, is a very well-rounded individual who has a Degree in Fashion Design, Certifications in Computer Technology, and a Master of Science Degree in Education (Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment). She will be supported in daily operations by other volunteers through Internships and licensed Practitioners in Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Nursing, Psychology, and more.

Ronald Smith proudly states, “We will leave no stone unturned to see that we put in place high- quality adult training services, thoroughbred adult instructors, as well as personal skills that will allow us to compete well in our market. Furthermore, we know the importance of having an excellent rapport with people, and the community we serve, which is why we will train and even retrain our workforce so that they always bring the best of skills and attitude to the table”.

Drop by the Center located at 109 N. Lake Avenue (Hwy 19), Groveland or call 352-557-4474 for additional information.