GREENVILLE – Darke DD and Radiant Lighthouse celebrated a great addition to the community on Friday afternoon at Radiant Lighthouse Church facilities.
Darke DD has been responsible for many projects around the community that are helping Darke County become more accessible. Their most recently finished project included the installation of a wheelchair lift at Radiant Lighthouse to help with access to the stage.
“Radiant Lighthouse is definitely one of the most community-forward churches that I’ve ever seen,” said Rachel Neal, President and CEO of Darke County Chamber of Commerce. “Being able to include a lift now is such a great way to expand that community and people can come and utilize the church.”
Last year, Darke DD Superintendent Tonya Clark shared that they had received grant money for $550,000 for different projects to help make the county more inclusive, especially for community members with disabilities that may otherwise be prevented from being active in the community.
Some of these projects included getting an exterior ramp and accessible doors at the Darke County Health Department and County Records Office, accessible restroom facilities and an adult changing table at the downtown YOLO Park, a sensory-friendly room at the Darke County Fairgrounds along with an adult changing table, a wheelchair lift at Radiant Lighthouse, and many other great projects throughout the community.
“We want to thank everyone who is here and everyone who is involved. Pastor Wes and Radiant Lighthouse, thank you all so much,” said Joseph Badell. “You guys say it’s all Darke DD but it’s not. It’s bringing up those ideas about our community. The people of the community are one of the groups we forget to thank because they are the ones who come up with these ideas.”
“I would say, what makes a chamber so grateful for our members is the collaboration and hard work to include everybody in our community, and I think it’s very clear here by the support of both Darke DD and Radiant Lighthouse Church. They are just great additions to our community,” said Neal.
The wheelchair lift will be able to be used for church services and community events when stage access is needed.
