United Way of Central Kentucky (UWCK) partnered with co-op students from the Altec Greater Heights Committee this week to enhance the outdoor space at Elizabethtown nonprofit Project L.E.A.R.N., Inc.
Co-op students and community partners installed a custom concrete pathway, picnic tables, a custom mural, new bench swings and three sensory tables, including a kinetic sand table, a magnetic ball table and a water table. Landscaping services of the premises were also performed, to include new garden bed planters, fresh mulch and flowers. These new additions combine to create an engaging, wheelchair-accessible environment for clients.
The concrete installation, valued at $10,000, was donated by Aaron Pennington, owner of local business Pennington Properties, through partnerships with SRM Ready Mix and Ray’s Central Kentucky Concrete. In addition, Sherwin-Williams in Elizabethtown donated the paint for the project. Volunteer efforts took place Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 29.
Project L.E.A.R.N. provides a day program for adults with intellectual disabilities, offering meaningful opportunities to learn, grow and connect with others beyond high school. The organization also hosts a two-week summer program for middle and high school students with intellectual disabilities, helping them build confidence and community.
“At Project L.E.A.R.N., we work to foster a comforting, welcoming and accommodating environment for our clients, and these improvements make a meaningful difference,” said Ann Borders, President of Project L.E.A.R.N.. “We are so grateful for United Way of Central Kentucky, Altec Greater Heights Committee and all of the community volunteers and donors who made the project a reality.”
The Altec Greater Heights Committee is a dedicated team of co-op employee volunteers. The group has collaborated with UWCK on various community endeavors in recent years, such as a Zen Garden project at Hardin County Schools’ College View Campus, a Learning Garden at Hardin County Schools Early Learning Academy, a courtyard revitalization project at Morningside Elementary School and the construction of a pavilion at the UWCK Community Garden.
“This project is a great example of what happens when partners come together with a shared vision for inclusion and opportunity,” UWCK Director of Development Brianne Smith said. “We are grateful to the Altec Greater Heights Committee for their hands-on commitment to this work, as well as to our business partners who continue to invest in projects that strengthen our community.”
