What’s not to love about a recycling center?
As pandemic lockdowns continue to relax, something like normal is returning to many overstuffed storage sheds and garages in the county, including mine. I know I was not the only recycler who did a happy dance when Greene Arc Inc. Recycling Center on Dunn Station Rd. in Prosperity announced it was cautiously back in business. The gates for recycling are now open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Workers and personnel are back on the job, busy sorting and baling when the community comes to unload cardboard, paper, plastic containers grades one and two, and metal cans into the individual bins outside. PS – Call before you come – Covid isn’t done with us yet.
Recycling and document destruction are two jobs to be had at Greene Arc that offer both vocational training and the satisfaction of a paycheck for those with developmental disabilities. The center also has classrooms, workshops, a dining hall and a kitchen, which has yet to reopen. Staff and clients are masked up and well versed in social distancing as they study, work, eat bagged lunches and schmooze during breaks.
Out in the community, Greene Arc manages group homes staffed 24/7. In Waynesburg, Open Arms Drop In Center and Psych Rehab Recovery Center have moved and are next door to each other on 49 S. Washington Street. Open Arms is the place to hang out with friends for BYO lunch, no reservation necessary. Psych Rehab offers emotional and mental support for anyone over age 18 who self describes as depressed. During Covid lockdown, director Travis Duncan helped clients with Peer Support Services through Telehealth and continues to offer it now for those who are reluctant to socialize. To enroll, call for same day services.
How the close-knit family of clients and service providers of Greene Arc dealt with Covid isolation was one of the questions I had when I called Director Cindy Dias and asked if she had time for a visit. As luck would have it an appointment that morning had just canceled and she had an hour to spare.
For the last 18 months, “We’ve been busy on steroids!” Dias declared, eyes sparkling behind her mask when I arrived in her office.
When I asked to photograph her for the story she declined vigorously.
“This story isn’t about me – it’s about our direct support professionals. They’re the heroes! You need to get a photo of our new Community Participation Supports Program Director Minnie Boles. She has been a blessing to me.”
For Dias, memories of the early days of lockdown are still vivid.
“There was no model to go by, we were pioneering, trying to keep everyone safe.
No one was laid off, we had our essential workers in all the group homes and we used all safety precautions. I’d like to give a big shout out to Cornerstone Care – they collaborated with Greene Arc to get us vaccines and boosters way ahead of the curve. And Tiffany Nutter from the Department of Health was always in constant communication. We were a team.”
That pioneering spirit included nonessential staff working remotely throughout the lockdown that began on March 17, 2020. For the 100 plus individuals of Greene Arc, no one was left behind. Essential workers continued delivering round-the-clock care in the group homes. Except for recycling and document destruction, vocational and emotional services continued for those sheltering at home. There were big screen TVs in every group home and virtual learning continued with computers. For those without technology “Every month we sent out calendars and hard copy lessons in the mail and telephone follow ups. Our staff was there to call and ask how are you doing. Our support never stopped. We were there for our individuals.”
When it was time to venture back to campus, it was done in three phases from July to September based on health complexities, Dias noted. The November surge sent clients back into quarantine then finally, back to campus, to recycling, shredding documents and working together again.
After 18 months of pioneering Dias was happy to report “The ARC of Pennsylvania was awarded the initiative to work with the Department of Health to bring stakeholders together to examine the disparities in the system. We’ll be working with the county Human Services and Kelly Wright of Cornerstone care to see what we’ve learned from this pandemic.”
After all is said and done and with lots more to do, Dias is still smiling behind her mask. “When push comes to shove the Greene County community came together!”
Is there anything she wishes she had more of?
“We have 55 employees and we have vacancies. Starting pay is $15 and a benefit package. Give us a call.”
Greene Arc Campus: 724-627- 5511
Drop In Center – 724-627-3213
Psych Rehab Center 724-627-7079