Steve Gooch '68 Plants "Seeds of Change" and Hope for People with Disabilities

October 6, 2006

October 6, 2006, Greencastle, Ind. - Steven R. Gooch, a 1968 graduate of DePauw University, is "director of Abilities Services, Inc., a group that helps people with disabilities or similar disadvantages learn to work and live in the community," reports the Paper of Montgomery County. "ASI offers intensive training in homes and has supported living services and employment services," writes Denise Hinckley in today's edition.

"Gooch is not stranger to working with people in need of help. After attending DePauw University in Greencastle and earning a sociology degree, Gooch ran an adult residential service there for two years. In 1972 he started an agency to help the disabled as part of the Hamilton Center in Terre Haute where he set up shop for 20 years. 'I knew nothing about it but I thought it would be fun! Now I know it's the best thing that ever happened to me,' Gooch said."

The article points out that "Abilities Services teaches people in a group home setting skills to live and enjoy their lives. This service provides a sense of increased independence. They learn social and personal skills. Some of the homes are staffed 24 hours a day. ASI will also help those living at home with transportation, attendant care, respite care and other services." 

Steve Gooch states, "I plant seeds of change. You never know when they will sprout. I have seen people go through our program five years later doing great! A person will never get everything done but during the day it's good to have a positive effect on someone and on the community."

Read the complete story, headlined "Helping is what it's all about," at the newspaper's Web site. Visit Ability Services, Inc. online by clicking here.

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