Fun benefits developmentally disabled clients

Sept. 11--The Oklahoma Production Center's annual carnival Saturday brought families together to enjoy a day of activities while contributing to the array of services the agency provides.

OPC's carnival featured a variety of different games booths. As guests roamed around the activity room, some would try their hands at a ring toss game, while others yelled "Bingo" across the room. A dunk tank -- one of the more popular attractions -- cake walk, putt-putt game, and a silent auction were also on the agenda.

The OPC, a nonprofit organization, has long served individuals throughout the area, as it was established in 1981.

Joe Murphy, whose favorite part of the carnival was bidding on the silent auction items, said he's been with the OPC for 36 years, working a variety of jobs the organizations has helped him find.

"I just like the place," said Murphy. "It's a lot of fun and you meet a lot of people -- different people."

Millions of people throughout the country have been identified as having disabilities.

However, OPC Executive Director Daniel Perry said many of them often go "overlooked," which is one reason why proceeds from the carnival were placed into the nonprofit's activity fund.

"Monetarily, we're able to provide them with things they may not otherwise have been able to get or do," said Perry. "Some of them have never been to an aquarium, or Frontier City [Theme Park], or even the zoo -- things we take advantage of, and we can just get up an go. They don't get do those types of things or their families never took them to do stuff like that."

The OPC hosts a Christmas party every year, providing clients with gifts for the holiday season. Clients also have gone on trips to the Tulsa Zoo and family-friendly recreations. Perry said the OPC is currently trying to raise enough money to take clients to Branson, Missouri, sometime next year.

The OPC also provides numerous services, like helping its clients find jobs.

"For our vocational services, we have a lot of different crews that go out," said Rachelle Deer, of OPC. " We also have in-house crews. We do trash service, litter pickup, lawn care, building maintenance, and we have a down to earth store that makes ceramics. We also have a site in Fort Gibson that takes drop off recycles, and we have a thrift store there, as well. We do just about anything we can get our hands on."

The OPC also provides residential services, providing its clients with houses and apartments. In OPC's group homes, all of the individuals are given nutritious meals, medication, and individualized plans directly related to the clients' needs.

All those who helped with the carnival Saturday were volunteers. Perry said many of them were donating their time for "the experience of working with people who need help, getting to know somebody, and learning more about what OPC does for Tahlequah."

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