[vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”3661,3667,3663,3668,3665,3664,3662″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When ADEC was founded more than 65 years ago, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were sent away to institutions or hidden in basements. They were not embraced as members of their communities.

Thanks to the brave work of our founding families and advocates across the country, that is no longer the case. The people we serve attend public schools, work at local businesses and volunteer for nonprofit organizations.

We are grateful for the support of our local government officials — from city council members and county commissioners to mayors and state lawmakers — who make sure the people we serve continue to be included and accepted in the places they live.

This week, we delivered valentines to just a few of the officials who support our mission. Donna Belusar, president and CEO, visited government offices in Elkhart, Goshen and South Bend with several of the people we serve to deliver special gift baskets and to say “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Inside the baskets were items created by the people we serve, like Bow Wow Dog Biscuits and Art by ADEC. All items from the gift baskets are available for purchase at our Art by ADEC store in Bristol or our Gaining Grounds Coffee Houses in Goshen and Middlebury, with proceeds helping us provide choice and possibility to people with disabilities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]