MISSION
The mission of Kids 1st Disability Resource Center is to promote a program involving Education, Recreation, and Fitness for individuals with disabilities and support one another with unity, integrity, and love.
MOTTO
A place where you can LAUGH again.
Accommodating a disability can often require life changes that are intimidating and overwhelming to any parent or caregiver. The Resource Center is a place for families to seek guidance, support, and encouragement.
Open Monday through Thursday, The Resource Center supports parents and caregivers as needed and enriches activities for participants such as Arts and Crafts, Games, and Music.
From time to time, we offer workshops with detailed information on caring for individuals with special needs. Some workshops are very broad, while others are more focused on different disabilities.
About Us
Kids 1st Disability Resource Center
Kids 1st Disability Resource Center is a 501©(3) organization dedicated to supporting young adults and adults with disabilities. The vision of starting a center occurred three years before my son, DJ, exited high school. Mental Health had a waiting list, and there was nowhere for him or any others with disabilities to go. As a parent, I wanted more for my son than him sitting at home watching television. Before opening the Center, I drove him more than 50 miles each day to attend a center, so he did not sit at home. Finally, with prayer and perseverance, I announced the official opening of the Resource Center.
The Center provides young adults and adults with disabilities and their families a wealth of educational, social, and cultural opportunities. A select group of committed individuals and I tirelessly devote our time, energy, and finances to ensure the Center’s success.
Daily activities include basic life skills, arts and crafts, music, computer activities, exercises, reading, puzzling, painting, and seasonal gardening. Seeing the clients form lasting friendships and the smiles on their faces are PRICELESS!!!
The Center offers activities designed to keep the clients using their cognitive, language, motor, and social skills. Clients are encouraged to participate in activities but never forced.
We involve the community as much as possible by having people come in and play the piano, sing, teach art, and put on plays, to name a few.
At the Center, we host numerous events and activities that allow young adults and their families to enjoy family-oriented experiences. On behalf of the young adults and their families we serve, thank you.
Community Involvement
Kids 1st Disability Resource Center
My vision for the Center is to provide young adults with disabilities and their families with a wealth of educational, social, and cultural opportunities. A select group of committed individuals and myself have tirelessly devoted our time, energy, and finances, to ensure success; however, to maximize our efforts, we need the support of generous businesses, organizations, and individuals within the community. We cannot be successful in isolation; therefore, we need your help!
We will host numerous events and activities at the Center that allow family-oriented experiences. By making positive investments in our community, you consistently prove that you value the enrichment of young people, thus assisting us in making the Center a reality.
Your generous contributions and donations will ensure that our efforts continue. If you can assist us, please notify me to discuss the needs of the organization further. Thank you in advance for considering this request. Thank you for your time, consideration, and ongoing support on behalf of the families we serve. Great futures start here because of you!
Board Members
Karen Pettaway (Founder, President Emeritus)
Karen is a wife and mother of two daughters and a son. Her vision for the Center came after her son, DJ, finished high school, and there was no place for him to attend daily. As a passionate advocate for families with disabilities, Kids 1st Disability Resource Center became a reality.
Karen serves as a board member on the Cahaba Mental Health Center, Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Alabama Lifespan Respite Coalition. Her dedication to working with children, the elderly, and the disabled is a great asset to the community.
Donna Allen, President
Work History:
Program Director,
Dallas County Work Force
Andersndonna14@yahoo.com
Andra’ Tucker, Vice President
Work History:
Resource Teacher,
Chairman of the Special Education Department
Deborah Voltz, Secretary
Work History:
Retired Nutritionist
Debvoltz@yahoo.com
Rena Jones, Treasury
Work History:
Retired Childcare Teacher
Dorene Miree
Work History:
Educator