JCBDD Officials Reciprocated by Saying They Were Glad to Help Welch and the Other Residents

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steel lines, or the bands wrapped around steel coils, for the local mill. He said the work earned him “cabbage” and he has made many friends during his time there. Meanwhile, friends from his hometown still send him letters or even candy for the holidays and he competed in bowling for Special Olympics, where he made his way to the state meet in Columbus.

JCBDD officials reciprocated by saying they were glad to help Welch and the other residents.

“Loren is a wonderful, happy man that we have been able to serve for many years. He is a unique guy and a great friend,” said Superintendent Mike Mehalik.

Residents range in age from 21 to 88, and Westfall said a handful of previous occupants ultimately managed to live on their own and integrate themselves into mainstream society. Those who remain at Shaffer Plaza still get to experience independent living by learning some basic lessons, such as sorting laundry, maintaining hygiene, and fire safety to shopping and balancing a checkbook, but they also work and socialize within the community. Some have been part of JCBDD’s Sheltered Workshop or the Jefferson County Training Center, while others have performed janitorial, housekeeping, and other services for local businesses. Additionally, they have volunteered at the county animal shelter or Trinity Medical Center.

Westfall added that on-site activities include playing bingo, but a lot of time is spent going to movies, bowling, concerts at the First Niagara or Fort Steuben Amphitheaters, heading to Kennywood, enjoying Wheeling Nailers or Pittsburgh Pirates games or even watching plays. The group also learn Scripture and socialize at the God’s Choice Community Outreach for individuals with disabilities in East Liverpool and socialize at the M&M Party at Toronto Nazarene Church.

“The community is always great,” Westfall continued.

For more information, contact Shaffer Plaza at (740) 264-7112.

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(Photo Cutline: Loren Welch has been a resident of Shaffer Plaza since the alternative living opened its doors in the 1980s. Shaffer Plaza operates under the auspices of the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and helps provide people with mild to profound disabilities an opportunity to live more independently with the added measure of a 24-hour staff to help meet their needs.)