Dance set at Easter Seals Southern Georgia to establish community connections

ALBANY — As part of an effort to outreach to the community, Mission:Change is planning to host a dance at Easter Seals Southern Georgia on Aug. 15 to provide a safe socialization for those who depend on Easter Seals.

The dance is set for 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Easter Seals facility at 1906 Palmyra Road, and will be hosted by Mission:Change as well as disc jockey Billy Ocean.

“They (Mission:Change) pick a charity once a month (to outreach to), and this month they chose Easter Seals,” said Julie Hall, director of day services for Easter Seals.

The dance will be a socialization opportunity for those served by Easter Seals, which primarily includes those with developmental disabilities and their families. Ocean is expected to provide entertainment at the event, during which people can come as they are so the individuals served by Easter Seals and the community as a whole can come together.

“Their (Mission:Change) volunteers will provide food and drink, and socialize with the people we serve,” Hall said. “(The dance is) to promote community connections and (socialize) with peers in the community.”

For Easter Seals consumers, it provides an opportunity to have relationships with those outside that circle, which is vital for them, Hall said.

“It’s important for them to feel connected,” she said. “That’s important to them that they feel valued in the community. Hopefully (connections established at the dance) will develop into long-term relationships.

“Like you and I, they like to feel they are valued in the community.”

There is no admission price, Hall said.