CLINTON—Christmas is a time for giving and service and that’s what the Ken Garff “We’re here for you” program is all about. A group of employees showed up to TURN Community Services in Clinton on Tuesday to give the facilities a makeover for the organization that serves adults with disabilities. 

“It is in an old city/county building,” said Emma Checketts, Community Partnership and Events Manager for Ken Garff. “Every room I wish we could change. They don’t have the funding to do what they need. To get the funding they have to apply and wait for approval and then if they get it, it has to be used for certain things. We told them whatever is on their wish list we’d make it happen.”

They decided on two rooms to get a makeover, she said. “The sensory room and game room are the most used and had the most need. We bought supplies for the sensory room like a couch, table, chairs, fidget toys, etc. In the game room we got a foosball table, several karaoke machines, a TV and more. Things the clients would be excited to have, play with and do.”

At least 30 employees helped clean and set things up, said Checketts. “They were so amazing. They were building shelves and mounting TVs.”

Ken Garff has been running the service program for the last two years. “It started during COVID,” said Checketts. “We were trying to support communities that were hit hard by COVID.”

She said employees were doing the service themselves. “Hands on is a meaningful service. We bought everything and gave some money to use in ways that help the community and take the weight off of organizations. Every quarter we do a new project.” 

Employees suggested helping people with disabilities, Checketts said. “His son has disabilities and he wanted to give back to organizations that have helped him. Another employee said his dad had used a service like TURN so it felt good to help. It’s great seeing them give service that is meaningful to them.”

When the clients came into the rooms they were so excited, she said. “They started to play and they were sitting on the beanbags. We had lunch together and made gingerbread houses. They loved making gingerbread houses. I got to build a gingerbread house with Robby. He was so cute.” 

The staff said it’s just nice for them to see new faces and have something to do that’s different from their day to day activities, said Checketts. “The staff was also super excited to have all the things that surround their work spaces as well.”

Checketts loves being involved with the program. “I’m always so grateful for my job,” she said. “Most days I spend thinking about other people. I’m so lucky. I got to contact the staff at TURN and they were so grateful and amazed at what we do.”

It’s so nice to hear personal stories from the people they serve, she said. “That’s the cherry on top. We’re happy to keep doing this.”