DAVENPORT, Iowa — For 54 years, the Handicapped Developmental Center has been making an impact on the Iowa side of the Quad Cities. The organization provides services for those with special needs, including residential, employment and active programs.
CEO and President Jeff Ashcraft says being able to provide the service for nearly half a century has been a blessing.
"It's a real feather in the cap of the Quad Cities," Ashcraft said. "This community has supported us for so long. They are one of the many reasons we are able to continue to make the impact on many lives."
One of those impacted by the program is Linda Manders. She is part of the board of members for the organization but also has her daughter, Angela, in the residential program. She says the impact is nearly indescribable.
"My daughter Angela is deaf and has severe cerebral palsy," Manders said. "All of her life, I've been told what she can't do, what her disabilities are going to be. HDC focused on what she does have and it turned out to be a tremendous amount of abilities. It just means the world to me."
Manders added she has learned a lot through her daughter and cannot thank the center enough for their efforts.
"She's one of the happiest souls I've ever met," Mander said. "This center has made an impact in many lives and it will continue to do so for many years."
On Thursday, Nov. 16, the organization announced they would rebrand to Empowering Abilities. Ashcraft says the rebrand has been considered for many years and was finally approved in the summer.
"We decided to change the name because the word 'handicapped' really isn't illustrative of what we do, and it's outdated," Ashcraft added. "Empowering is such a strong word, and we really want to focus on what we can do versus what we can't."
Empowering Abilities serves 365 participants in Scott County and has 24 locations throughout the Iowa side of the Quad Cities.
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