Downtown Greenville: Clear sky, 37.4 °F
The Secret’s Out
 Photo courtesy of Center for Developmental Services The Secret’s Out Greenville’s Center for Developmental Services is the only one of its kind in the country, and they’re spreading the word to families of developmentally struggling children. Even before Jamie Moon became executive director of the Center for Developmental Services (CDS), he was familiar with the variety of programs offered by its six partner agencies. That’s because he and his wife went there when their son Jack was diagnosed with ADHD. “Jack’s at Augusta Circle Elementary now and doing great,” says Moon, but points out that many of the families served by CDS have children with multiple issues such as hearing loss, developmental delays, or neuropsychological challenges. At CDS they can find a variety of medical and educational programs, as well as a solid support system. “It is a comfort to these families to be able to get all that in one place,” he says. Though CDS is the only one of its kind in the country, Moon says he’d like it not to be “Greenville’s best kept secret.” So, in celebration of the agency’s tenth anniversary, a Fun Fest at Fluor Field that’s open to the entire community will be held Friday, June 4, featuring games, activities, inflatables, food, fireworks and more. To look at the bustling facility with its cheerful, kid-friendly décor and smiling staff members, it is hard to imagine a time before CDS. Brought to fruition by the Community Planning Council of the United Way of Greenville County and the efforts of Dr. William DeLoache, CDS officially open the doors to its spacious center in 2000. It was immediately successful. Moon notes that the organization has a common intake and scheduling process, as well as shared medical records, which allows parents to call with questions and be scheduled with the appropriate service providers. “This saves the community money,” says Moon, in addition to saving participating agencies about $600,000 per year. (CDS also collaborates with local businesses to bring in needed donations as well as to raise the agency’s profile in the community.) The partner organizations are a diverse group that includes: BabyNet, a program of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, providing early intervention for children with delays in growing, developing, and learning; Kidventures, offered by Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board for developmental disabilities; Family Connection, a support network for parents; the Children’s Hospital of Greenville Hospital System; a Greenville County Schools’ screening clinic, Child Find; and Clarity, for speech and language evaluation and therapy. How can such disparate agencies work in concert? According to Moon, collaboration is what makes CDS run like a well-oiled machine. “CDS allows various professionals to collaborate in treatment, learn best practices, and deliver them in a cost-effective way,” he asserts. In the meantime, CDS continues to serve children and support their families. Like Moon, Mindy Ramsey, a family partner with Family Connection, experienced the benefits of CDS through her son. Born with Down’s syndrome, Ramsey’s son required therapeutic treatments, while she sought others who’d had the same experience. “It gives parents the support they need. It all works beautifully together.” Get Your Fun On! Looking for more family-friendly events? Find out what’s happening around town this weekend by visiting www.gvillemag.com/events |
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