By: Scott Larson
slarson@kcautv.com
In 2010, the state of Nebraska decided it could no longer fund disabled services outside of the state. So basically, if someone lived in South Sioux City, Nebraska would no longer pay for them to receive help in the state of Iowa. But Camp Goodwill is bringing back those services to Nebraska.
Jennifer Anderson is from South Sioux City, NE and was born with several disabilities and suffers from frequent seizures. To stay active and learn, Jennifer has spent the last thirteen years working across the river in Sioux City pitching in at the Goodwill Store. Jennifer really loves her job and enjoys doing many different things at the store.
But her job was almost taken from her back in 2010. That's when the state of Nebraska decided it would no longer pay for her to receive disability services in Iowa. Jennifer's adopted mother, Jean, says Jennifer was crushed. "It was extremely hard. It was just life–threatening for Jennifer. Taking away Goodwill would have been like a death for her. She didn't understand the politics and the money which is what it all boiled down to."
Faced with the reality that Jennifer needed to keep that job, Jean now pays about $1,000 each month so that Jennifer can continue working with the Goodwill Store.
But that could soon change. Camp Goodwill in South Sioux City will begin offering disability services by this summer. John Hantla, the Siouxland area President of Goodwill, says, "You know, what does a person do during the day? Everybody needs activities. Whether they're working whether it's recreational or whatever. For quality of life, people have to be active."
Camp Goodwill hopes to fill the needs of several families affected by Nebraska's decision. Jean says, "I really believe that people need to have choices. Where they can work and what they can do. And I don't believe the Jennifers of the world are any different."
If you're interested in learning what Camp Goodwill has to offer, then you're in luck. At 10 AM on Saturday, there will be a meeting at the camp and a presentation will be given on it's future plans.
