JANUARY 12, 2016
Lawrence Co. Community of Sharing plans for new year…lots of projects in the works
Exciting new plans are in the works for the Community of Sharing program in Lawrence County. The state funded program which is implemented in local communities, was put in place in Lawrence County almost two years ago, and has seen much success since then.
The organization is all about seeking out the human resources in one’s area, finding out what skills, talents, abilities, and gifts residents have, and creating a database from which to pull from for special events, classes, and projects. By doing so, local people can learn 
from each other, be recognized for their abilities, be a great help to their community, and maybe even create some small business opportunities in the process.
Emphasis is placed on the inclusion of everyone, regardless of their situations, especially those with disabilities.
Lawrence County Community of Sharing Director, Tina Jackson, describes the concept this way:
“…Try to imagine the place where you live is a place where everyone is valued and respected. Imagine that people are interested in you and your special gifts that you could share with the community. Imagine that your community welcomes all people regardless of their differences, because not only is it right, but because with every unique person, there is a new gift or talent added to the community.”
This is actually the goal that the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities (CCDC) hopes to accomplish by encouraging KY communities to be more inclusive and allow all citizens to be involved in what’s happening in their area.
Lawrence County has had several community projects through the program since it began, including classes or projects on sign language, quilting, canning, gardening, and more. Just recently, the ‘giving plate’ project was held, in which specially decorated plates were filled with sweet treats by the COS members and given to a person in the community who has exhibited good service in one way or another whether it be volunteering, kindness, friendship, sharing, caring, generosity, dedication, hard work, etc. The recipient of the plate is to then refill it and pass it on to someone else who shows the same qualities. COS Community Builder, Kristie Jobe, said, “the giving plate was a great success.”
One of the COS Community Builders, Marsha Slone, recently coached a children’s Lego competition which she says was an amazing experience. The Lego event was comprised of several boys who came together to work as a team. They each had to perform specific tasks in order to complete the project and compete with other teams. “I had parents tell me they couldn’t believe that was their child” said Slone.
She explained that the event got all the children involved, they encouraged and helped each other and gained a lot of self esteem. “I was blessed to be a part of it” she said.
Another project going on now is fabric caddies for adult walkers. A multi pocket holder is made from fabric, can easily be put onto a walker and can hold items for those using the walking aid. These caddies can also be strapped onto strollers for extra storage. When completed, caddies will be taken to the Jordan Center nursing facility for the residents.
Other plans for the future include a bicycle clinic, music gathering, and several others. The Lawrence County COS will also assist in hosting a birthday party this Sunday for a young man with disabilities in the community.
“Everyone has something to offer” said Jackson. There are many gifted and talented people in Lawrence County. The COS program is simply a process to bring them together so that they can share these abilities with others.
For more information on Lawrence County Community of Sharing, call 606-638-3234, or visit their Facebook Page–Kentucky Community of Sharing-Louisa, KY
