Redwood City Latest 'Welcoming Star Award' Winner Serves Those With Intellectual, Developmental Disabilities

REDWOOD CITY, CA – The City Council of Redwood City and Redwood City 2020's welcoming initiative, Redwood City Together, will shine a spotlight on their latest Welcoming Stars Award recipient, Kainos Home and Training Center, during the Oct. 17 City Council meeting which begins at 7 p.m.

The Welcoming Stars award, given by Redwood City Together, honors local pioneers and programs which help build an inclusive and respectful community. Redwood City 2020 is a community collaborative working across sectors to ensure the safety, health, and success of all children, youth, and families in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks.

Kainos Home and Training Center, which opened its doors to Redwood City in 1977 and North Fair Oaks in 1983, serves a diverse, inclusive population of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, vocational, and senior day programs and services. This non-profit organization works with individuals, families, and the community with the powerful mission of enabling each individual they serve to maximize his or her potential while becoming active, contributing members of the community.

Their residential programs include providing housing and support to over 70 individuals-from supporting people living in their own homes to 24-hour care facilities-as well as a senior care facility. The vocational programs are geared to help individuals gain or develop the skills for competitive employment in the community. The senior day programs provide opportunities for education, socialization, recreation, and community inclusion and integration for older adults with developmental disabilities. Individuals with developmental disabilities learn skills, gain jobs, become more independent, and have chances to become active and involved in the community. The families of these clients gain security, support, and comfort in knowing there is a place for their loved ones.

"Kainos Home and Training Center is a shining example of what local residents and groups can do to create a more inclusive, enriching and welcoming community," said Mayor John Seybert. "The City Council is proud to honor this Welcoming Star winner at the next Council meeting, for they are one of many who make Redwood City a great place to live."

Executive Director Andy Frisch comments, "When our people are involved in community volunteer projects, our enthusiasm is infectious. I think a community is stronger and feels better about itself when it sees that there is a place for everyone in the community."

To obtain more information on the Welcoming Star Award, including how to nominate a new program, please visit http://www.rwc2020.orgor contact Jemima Oso at (650) 423-2200 ext. 3467 or joso@redwoodcity.org.

– SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BY: City of Redwood City (Image via Shutterst0ck)