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For many years, society saw a person’s disabilities in rehabilitation terms, as problems for professionals to fix. An individual’s capabilities and interests were of secondary concern. When HCI was formed, in 1974, a very different approach was emerging in the United States, based on the ideas of independence, rights, choice, and respect. HCI embraced that concept and embarked on an endeavor to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
The agency was formed by three local citizens, Harrell Granger, Charles “Chip” Dashiell and Elaine Peterson who wanted organized support for local citizens with a primary diagnosis of mental retardation who would be served by a residential training facility newly opening in 1975 called Holly Center. HCI, (originally named Holly Center Foundation), quickly became recognized for its innovative approach for fostering community support and consumer responsive services. Community support came in the form of individual donations, business and corporate contributions and volunteerism which continues today.
During the late 1970’s, HCI initiated services to community individuals locally pioneering the development of accessible dental care and community resource management for individuals living in low-income rural communities across Maryland’s eastern shore. These programs were later adopted as a permanent part of our local county health departments now serving over 2,300 individuals in nine rural counties. The 80’s brought expansion into community-based services which continued with the addition of recreation and quality assurance programs. Today, 800 adults and children participate in these programs annually. Also during this time a private bequest targeted
the construction of the first wheelchair accessible garden designed to stimulate all the senses with bright colors, natural sounds (wind and water) and the use of selected plantings. Local businesses and volunteers stepped forward with their donations of time and materials for a grand open in the Spring of 1990. Therapeutic in nature the garden continues as a primary focal point on the Holly Center campus.
In the early 90’s HCI developed an Assistive Technology Demonstration Center in accordance with Maryland’s Tech Act Program bringing resources to our local communities (reducing round trip travel for services by five hours). Three centers are operational today on Maryland’s eastern shore. In the mid 90’s, HCI began a computer recycling/training/loan program (making in-home computers available to economically disadvantaged individuals with disabilities at no cost), later extending this service to the Eastern Shore of Virginia and Sussex County, Delaware. Sixty computer systems are placed annually to support an individual’s personal, educational or employment goals. With strong community ties, HCI maintains a highly effective volunteer program which, with support from area businesses, has been the foundation from which we have successfully delivered consumer-responsive programs within our rural underserved communities. In recent years HCI has added a vocational and life skills training program designed to enhance opportunities for youth with disabilities transitioning from school to college, work and adulthood.
In a move to attract additional grant funding, the organization changed its name to one more reflective of its philosophy to serve people within the disability community regardless of their place of residence – personal, group or residential. In 2001, the new name under which the agency is recognized today is HCI – Holly Community, Inc.
HCI has been fortunate, through the years, to be able to expand our service areas as the need has arisen. Over the years, the agency has increased educational, social, recreational and employment opportunities for people with disabilities living in residential training facilities, group homes or for people making their homes in the community, and a variety of individualized services designed to help people meet their goals.
HCI is extremely proud of the vision of its founders and to have provided quality services for people with disabilities for over 35 years and prouder still to witness the individual goals achieved by the people we exist to support. Thank you for sharing the journey with HCI and for your support, encouragement, and empowerment of people with disabilities.
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Address P.O. Box 1489 Salisbury, Maryland 21802-1489 Phone 443-260-0822 Fax 443-260-0833
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