The Amazing Purple Cat
I got the opportunity to visit The Purple Cat which is based in Youngstown, Ohio. I am blown away by many different types of programs they offer. Founded to offer day-program and alternatives for adults, The Purple Cat has around 275 clients.
The Purple Cat was founded in 2003 with the goal “to prompt each individual to achieve his or her potential.” The Purple Cat’s motto is “Work hard, be kind, and have fun.”
Purple Cat has six sites that are available:
- The Phelps Street location is where the Radio Station runs throughout the day and has internet access at goldenstringradio.org. This radio station is the first radio station to be run with people who have intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Farmer Casey’s Ranch in Lowellville is the largest of the Purple Cat sites. It has over 50 acres and the animals are cared for by clients.
- The Pearl St. Mission is a multifunctional facility that provides training and programs that include cooking classes, yoga classes, sewing classes and more.
- Joe Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket opened in 2015. It is a fully functioning cafeteria operated by Purple Cat clients and staff. It is open on weekdays for breakfast and lunch. The clients preform meal preps, cooking, kitchen maintenance, and clean up. The address is: 345 Oak Hill Ave, Youngstown, OH 44502.
- and 6. St. Lucy and Boardman locations both have arts and crafts for clients to enjoy doing. They also take field trips to malls and other fun locations. A sensory room is available for those who wish to use.
The Purple Cat started as a small residential program. It has blossomed over the years into a HUB of activity with a motto of “Enhancing the lives of adults with disabilities.” For more information you can visit Purple Cat’s website at https://bigpurplecat.com.
