SENATOR ELECT STEVE CROWELL VISITS RAINBOW OF CHALLENGES & TAKES TOUR OF FACILITIES

HOPE, AR. – Former Magnolia City Council member and current unopposed District 3 Senator Elect Steve Crowell visited Rainbow of Challenges recently getting a close-up look at their many services here in Hope.

Crowell was the guest of local State Representative Danny Watson and was joined by Justice of the Peace Steve Atchley and Hempstead County Development Corp President Steve Harris as the group first met in the ROC Boardroom and greeted by CEO Judy Watson. The group was also joined by ROC Executive Team members Karri Whitten and Kris Stewart.

After listening and engaging in some critical discussions regarding various issues that the local non-profit faces, Crowell explained he is in tune with the needs of the many individuals served in this area. He grew up around Developmental Disability services with family members involved in years of service and working in group home setting

Crowell and the group toured the Making Rainbows Preschool Center before breaking for lunch at the Melon Patch restaurant which is also operated by ROC, and finished his visit by taking in the many adult work activities inside ROC Enterprises.

Crowell intently listened throughout and made it clear he supported the work of Rainbow of Challenges and all the services in his district which are working for a better future with children and adults with developmental disabilities.

“We appreciate Senator Elect Crowell, Representative Watson, Mr. Harris and Mr. Atchley taking time out of their schedule to visit with us and tour our programs.,” CEO Watson said.

“The discussions were on some critical issues for DD services in the upcoming Legislative Session in January, which included Medicaid reimbursement rates and the Section 14C provision in the Fair Labor Standards Act. This provision allows ROC to employ the individuals we support/serve at ROC Enterprises, Rainbow Industries and PNC Recycling Center to work and get paid in Melon Patch, ROC’n Reruns, contracted labor, and our Recycling Centers. Without this provision ROC/PNC would be in jeopardy of not have the ability to maintain these businesses.

“Again, we appreciate Senator Elect Crowell and his efforts to support our future.”