Michael Kelly and Bridgette Holmes of Janie Clements Industries made a donation of bags full of schools supplies to the Brownwood ISD Special Education program on Thursday, September 6th.  These supplies included crayons, glue, paper, notebooks, tissues, and hand sanitizer, all donated by clients during a back-to-school dance for individuals with disabilities held at JCI which is currently celebrating its 40th year of operations.

“We’re giving back,” said Holmes.  “They [the clients] were so excited bringing in the supplies.  They went shopping themselves and picked them out; it was great.”

The organization, known as a “day-hab,” specializes in helping individuals with disabilities find job opportunities, training, and get plugged in to the work force where they can earn a paycheck.  Serving seven counties including Brown, Coleman, Commanche, Eastland, McColloch, Mills, and San Saba, JCI also works with senior students with disabilities, helping and training them for specific jobs in the workforce.

“It’s a stepping stone for the students you serve here at the school,” said Kelly.  “They have a place where they can learn other training and they can use it when they get out of school or they can use it coming back to JCI.”

Director of Special Education, Alice Cox, added that students with disabilities at Brownwood High School are given the opportunity to become familiar with JCI during their senior year.

“They usually go for a half day to JCI where they can start learning and earning,” said Cox.  “It can be part of their transition into the community.”

Around 109 clients attended the dance at JCI where the supplies were collected; it was the first time donations were incorporated into the event.  The donated items will benefit students in the Brownwood ISD Special Education program.

“We’re extremely grateful for the donation,” added Cox. “It’s a useful and exciting gift.”

Pictured above: (Left to right) Alice Cox, Bridgette Holmes, and Michael Kelly.