Knights of Columbus Dan Hampton, Chuck Whitcraft and Dave Smolen surround Nona Bliton, one of 72 people benefitting from Cardinal Services’ community living program.

By MICHELLE BOXELL
Community Relations Manager, Cardinal Services

It’s a rite of spring, seeing people in bright yellow vests waving Tootsie Rolls and collecting donations for people with disabilities. No one seems exactly sure what year they began the project, but the Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus has sponsored the fundraiser, working intersections and storefronts at least since the 1970’s. In that time, our community has collected hundreds of thousands of dollars, $320,000 since 1997 alone, all of it remaining in the community and donated to Special Olympics and Cardinal Services.

The donation to Cardinal will be applied to the community living program which empowers people to live in their own apartments with just the amount of staff support they need and want. For those who have been in institutions and group homes most of their lives, it’s an enormous and liberating change. Rather than being limited to what’s best for the group, they make their own day-to-day choices based on what they want. This independence often leads to tremendous personal growth and increased quality of life.

Nona Bliton is looking forward to this for herself. Living in a Cardinal group home, she has wanted her own place for years. However, the state decides who gets to move and when. This winter, after years of waiting, Nona got word that she’s been approved. Now, Cardinal is taking steps to prepare her new apartment. Asked when she’s moving, Blinton flashes a huge smile, raises her fists in a cheer of success and says, “Soon!”

According to Blinton, one of the best things about the move will be her ability to go to church when she wants to go, and not just when there is a consensus at the house. She knows that church and other things will soon be her own choice and she’s excited about the future.

The Tootsie Roll Fund Drive is Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2. Volunteers are still being sought to work two hour shifts, and may call Linda Bruss at (574) 371-1312 to sign up.