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MACO workshop active through pandemic

CLIENTS with the Monroe Adult Craft Organization enjoy the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival.

WOODSFIELD — Monroe Adult Craft Organizationhas not been idle during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MACO Workshop is a nonprofit center for developmentally disabled adults. The center serves 50 adults ages 22-75.

Daniel Lollathin, director of adult services and transportation, said the need for the workshop’s services has continued and MACO has provided transportation to individuals throughout the county. He said MACO employees have specialized in making trophies, plaques, banners and signage for the community for years. MACO also provides janitorial and mowing services to the Monroe County Parks department for cleaning at Stafford and Fishers roadside parks.

Lollathin also said employees and clients have proven adaptive during the pandemic.

“MACO employees have been affected greatly by COVID-19,” he wrote in an email. “The center has been closed to the adult clients since March 2020. Staff has communicated with each employee client over the phone during the pandemic three to four times each week making sure that the adults and their families are safe and if they have any needs. Staff have shopped for families and made sure that each family was taken care of.

“In February 2021 staff started STEP services for the employee clients. STEP services include picking up four clients at their residence, taking them into their communities like state/county parks, walking trails, etc… State safety protocols have been followed. The clients have enjoyed these services since they have been at home through the pandemic.

“MACO hopes to have the center opened back up sometime soon,” he went on. “Every holiday throughout the pandemic, staff have put together special treat bags with PPEs, treats, cards and pictures in them. Staff wanted each client to know that they are missed and to keep themselves safe every day.

“MACO is open for business but following all safety protocols. Staff has kept the business rolling until the employee clients can come back. Besides missing each other and staff, the clients have missed being busy as they enjoy working every day,” Lollathin added.

Lollathin said client numbers have stayed the same through 2020 and into 2021.

“We are still closed but hope to open up soon. Clients have been practicing wearing a mask and social distancing at home and during STEP services. Families have followed all the protocols and helped their son/daughter do the same,” he noted.

The MACO Workshop is a state-chartered program that provides work opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. This includes sheltered employment, community employment, vocational training, habilitation, recreation, leisure, nursing and transportation services. Opportunities and services are tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of individuals so they may work and function effectively in their homes and communities.

MACO Sheltered Workshop is located at 47013 S.R. 26, Woodsfield. The phone number is 740-472-5445 and fax is 740-472-0445.

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