In the Community – Handicapped Development Center

Our Non-Profit Community Spotlight

Handicapped Development Center

By Emily Skelton, Human Resource and Resource Development Intern

Handicapped Development Center logo

I remember coming to work with my dad at Handicapped Development Center when I was little. Being so young, I had no concept of what HDC was and did not understand anything about people with disabilities. I just knew that I loved the people I got to see when I came here.

Coming back many years later as an employee of HDC, there are still many of the same individuals that I met here when I was younger. Even though that was almost 15 years ago now, they still remember me as well. Matt remembers my birthday and can tell me what the weather was like on the day I was born. Cindy remembers me running around the Halloween dance that HDC puts on for the participants.

Handicapped Development Center provides opportunities for participants like Matt and Cindy to take part in activities that enhance social, career, and life skills. HDC even gives participants the option to become employees of the organization while earning a paycheck. The supportive environment created by the employees and participants at HDC creates strong relationships that last a lifetime and ensures that everyone has the best chance of succeeding. These services are essential to allow participants the chance to become active members of the community, but also to make society more inclusive of people with disabilities.

Thanks to Northwest Bank’s Investment Management Group and their generous support, as well as the support of many other people and organizations, HDC has been able to continue to provide opportunities for people with disabilities “to succeed, to achieve, to grow, and to be happy.” Visit www.handicappeddevelopment.org or call 563-391-4834 to learn more information or find out ways you can help.

Upcoming Events from our Nonprofit Partners

Kaluoka’hina, The Enchanted Reef | Now Playing | Putnam Museum & Science Center
This 3D film is on the BIG screen this summer. Visit www.putnam.org/movies/show-times to plan your visit!

Akwaaba: West African Cultures Exhibit | Just Opened | Putnam Museum & Science Center
See artifacts of cultural groups from the Putnam’s collection and the West African community of the QCA.

The Catalyst Awards | August 5, 2022 | The Arc of the Quad Cities
You’re invited to join The Arc in celebration of the people and organizations who have ignited a passion for inclusion at The Catalyst Awards, Dinner and Auction. Visit www.arcqca.org/catalyst-awards/.

Slice of the QC | October 7 | The Arc of the Quad Cities
Come together with friends over beer, pizza, and a great cause! Mark you calendar for this fundraising event at Crawford Brew Works. Learn more at www.arcqca.org/slice-of-the-qc/.

BASH 2022| October 6 at SCC Culinary Arts Center | Scott Community College Foundation
Enjoy dinner served by Culinary Arts students, along with an auction & raffle. Visit www.eicc.edu/sccbash.

Music at the Market| Freight House Farmer’s Market | River Music Experience
Live local musicians perform every Saturday and Sunday at the Downtown Davenport Farmer’s Market.

OneSound Piano Project | Locations around the QC | River Music Experience
Painted pianos can be found throughout the Quad Cities, giving anyone the opportunity to play in public. Find one now at www.rivermusicexperience.org/one-sound-piano-project

Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails | Exhibit open until September 10 | Family Museum
Visitors to this exhibit will find themselves surrounded by everyone’s favorite blue engine, Thomas, his friends and the Island of Sodor’s iconic locations. Visit the Family Museum while it’s here!