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Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant recently announced that March is Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Mississippi. In honor of that designation, and in recognition of Boswell Regional Center, Magee Mayor Dale Berry signed a proclamation designating March 21, 2018 as “IDD Awareness Day.”
Berry presented Boswell Regional Center Director Clint Ashley with a signed proclamation listing the impact BRC employees and individuals make on the local economy.
Boswell has an annual economic impact of nearly $57 million. A large portion of the center’s payroll is received by Simpson Countians, who own and rent homes, pay utilities, support local businesses, attend area schools and churches pay taxes in the county. Additionally, one of BRC’s individuals purchased his own home in Magee and lives an independent life.
BRC also operates in Simpson County several group and retirement houses, as well as supervised apartments for individuals who are served by the center.
The majority of residents in these homes:
- Work at area businesses or Boswell Industries in Magee;
- Pay their own rent and utilities;
- Possess checking accounts at area banks;
- Use area physicians, hospitals and pharmacies for their medical needs;
- Shop for food and necessities at local businesses; and
- Spend thousands of leisure dollars at area restaurants, sporting and community events.
Following the ceremony at City Hall, BRC hosted an Open House and Tour of Boswell Industries and Alpha House group home, both located in downtown Magee. Attending to show their support of Boswell were Berry and city department directors, members of the Simpson County Board of Supervisors and representatives of businesses that hire BRC individuals, including McAllister’s manager Brandon Jordan.
Ashley expressed appreciation to the City of Magee for its continued support of BRC’s programs and services.
“We appreciate the support and encouragement we have always received from city leaders as we have sought to expand our community services,” Ashley said. “This
partnership has resulted in increased opportunities and independence for those we serve, which is one of our primary goals.”
A special cake with the BRC logo was created for the event by BRC’s Nutrition Services Department.
Featured Picture: Magee Mayor Dale Berry, front row, is pictured signing a proclamation naming March 21, 2018 as “Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day” in Magee in honor of Boswell Regional Center’s contributions to the community. Also pictured are, from left BRC individual Perry, who owns his own home in Magee, BRC Director Clint Ashley and BRC individual Pam. Both Pam and Perry are employed at Walmart.
City officials Nelvis Rankin, Public Works Director, Mayor Dale Berry and Chief of Police Randy Crawford are pictured with Ronald Britt, third from left, Director of Community Services.
