Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Oct. 15, 2024 – The Jonesboro Human Development Center (JHDC) celebrated its 50th anniversary with a tree planting ceremony and reception on Friday in the Sensory Gardens of the JHDC.
According to JHDC Superintendent Daine Kieth, the center opened Nov. 2, 1974, as the Children’s Colony for school-aged children. The entire facility cost over $2 million at that time. However, by 1982 they had morphed into an adult facility and began serving ages 18 years and older, changing their name to the Jonesboro Human Development Center.
Although Keith had been at the JHDC for many years, she said it was fun going through all the pictures and learning the history from the residents to the staff to the building construction.
“I’ve been here 33 of those 50 years and there’s a lot of stuff I didn’t know,” she said. “So going through all the pictures and the articles, as well as letters from siblings and parents thanking us for services, we’re just like, ‘Wow, this is unbelievable.’ It’s really cool.”
Ashleigh King, JHDC Administrative Analyst, agreed, noting that she had been there 15 years.
“Finding stuff that I didn’t even realize was just amazing to me and just gives me chills, like reading some of the stories. It makes us happy. This is why we do it,” she said.
King also noted that after doing all of the research for the celebration, they have begun discussing creating a museum section on the campus dedicated to the history of the JHDC.
Guest speakers included Arkansas State Sen. Dan Sullivan, DDS Director Jennifer Brezee, and Arkansas Rep. Jack Ladyman.
Ladyman noted what the JHDC had done for his son, who is a facility resident, and how much his late wife loved volunteering at the center.
“I can attest to the outstanding level of care and dedication shown by the employees who work here,” Ladyman said. “The services provided by this facility are a necessity for those in our community who require specialized care and attention. The staff and their commitment to care touches the lives of individuals, families and the community at large, fostering a sense of inclusivity, compassion and understanding. The work being done at JHDC is not just about providing services, it is about empowering and individuals to reach their full potential to thrive and to contribute meaningfully to society.”
“As we celebrate 50 years of service, I am excited to share with you the bright future that lies ahead for JHDC,” he continued. “With the recent state appropriation of $8 million for rebuilding and updating a portion of the campus, including a new medical facility, facilities building and residential unit, we are making significant strides towards improving the lives of the clients here. I am committed to continuing this progress and will be running a budget bill in the 2025 legislative session to secure an additional $8 million for replacement of the other residential units.”
After the speeches, Keith gathered everyone to plant the “tree for the future”.
“We would like to plant a tree that we hope will be here in 50 years that we will be able to sit under and have shade and stability. This is a red oak tree which stands for stability and strength because that is what JHDC is,” Keith said.