New Fire Hydrant Beautifying Program is a Win-Win for Rowland Water District and Adults with Disabilities

Rowland Water District (RWD), a leader in sustainable progress in Southern California, has united with OPARC, a non-profit organization, to give adults with special needs the chance to paint fire hydrants throughout Rowland Heights. The program began in January and takes place Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and involves one OPARC Job Coach along with three clients. Services include removing chipped paint from fire hydrants, applying two coats of paint and reporting missing caps on the hydrants.

RWD and OPARC initially began the program as RWD considered how people with disabilities could still positively contribute to the Rowland Heights community. In addition to revamping District hydrants, the program enables people with disabilities to lead more independent and socially integrated lives.

“This program will allow us to better maintain our hydrants, improve the look of our system and communities and provide gainful employment for the special needs community,” notes Tom Coleman, general manager of Rowland Water District.

By enabling participants to support the community, Rowland Water District upholds its mission to facilitate teamwork and service throughout Rowland Heights.  The program will also foster the already robust community relations that the District has among its customers with reliable infrastructure maintenance.

 Rowland Water District (RWD) provides potable and recycled water throughout Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, La Puente and the cities of Industry and West Covina. Bound by its core values of accountability, communication and teamwork, RWD places special emphasis on delivering a high quality level of service and water supply to its customers.

 OPARC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enable people with disabilities to achieve their full potential. Established in 1950, OPARC is one of the largest vendors to provide day program services to qualifying adults. Today, OPARC serves more than 800 developmentally disabled adults in Southern California.

 For additional media information, contact Erin Gilhuly at 760.641.0739 or via email at erin@cvstrat.com.

 

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