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Anna LaBay

Hands of the Heartland ribbon cutting

This article was originally published on Dec. 01, 2024 in the McCook Gazette



McCOOK Neb. - A ribbon cutting and grand opening was held Thursday, Nov. 29 for ‘Hands of the Heartland’ on the bricks downtown McCook. They opened this past August but they recently moved to their new and permanent location at 213 Norris Avenue in McCook. 


According to their website, they have a people-first approach and their array of services reflects that. Creating a safe, welcoming environment designed to spark creativity, nurture people’s needs, and facilitate services needed to promote the highest level of achievement, independence, interdependence, self-determination, and community integration for the individuals they serve. 


Since its inception in 1998, Hands of Heartland has been dedicated to supporting people with developmental disabilities. It is our mission to do this with integrity, transparency, and — above all — respect.


Amy Virgil, is the associate director of the McCook location, she explained that the day services location is more like a hub. Virgil has several years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities. The hub as she calls it has a very welcoming and homey atmosphere equipped with games and even a karaoke machine. 


The participants spend most of their day out in the community where they volunteer at 3 different locations, including the foodbank where they stock shelves. The participants enjoy going to the YMCA to walk the track and exercise.  The McCook Art Guild has hosted arts and crafts classes for them. “It’s pretty cool how you can so much from them while they are also learning,” said Stacie Sandall. 

 


Attending the ribbon cutting was Nebraska State Senator Dave Murman who understands the importance of programs like this. His daughter (36) has developmental disabilities and lives at home with him and his wife. McCook Mayor, Linda Taylor, was also on hand saying “Thank you for coming to McCook you're going to be a real asset in our community I can tell.” 

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