Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
WAVES outlines decades-long supports for people with disabilities in Fairview
Summary
Stacy Davis, CEO of WAVES, told the Fairview board WAVES provides no- or low-cost early childhood and life‑cycle services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; a family member testified the program has supported his brother since age 18.
Stacy Davis, chief executive officer of WAVES, told the Fairview Board of Commissioners on July 23 that the nonprofit — founded in Fairview — supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities “from birth until the end of need” via early learning, day programs, residential services and employment supports.
Davis said WAVES provides much of its early learning programming at no cost to families and noted enrollment and program details: “We have over 550 children that are currently enrolled in our early learning program,” and “Everything that we provide in our early learning services is 100% free.” She described an extended option that allows children to remain in the program up to their fifth birthday or until kindergarten, stressing the organization’s emphasis on family wraparound supports rather than medical care.
Gary, introduced during the presentation as a WAVES board member and family member of a longtime participant, described the personal impact of the program: “It gave him somewhere to go to grow, to have a community, to be a part of,” he said of his brother Jeff, who joined the day program at 18 and remains involved. Commissioners expressed appreciation for WAVES’ local presence and encouraged residents and businesses to attend events, sponsor programming and tour the facility.
The presentation included program highlights (day programs in Fairview and Franklin, four residential homes, employment services) and invitations to community events including a WAVES breakfast and upcoming fundraisers. Davis and Gary asked interested residents to visit WAVES’ website and social channels for volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. The mayor thanked the presenters at the conclusion of the remarks.
