by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Janus Developmental Services has begun initial planning for a new facility on the grounds of their present location in Noblesville.  Christina Sorensen, president and CEO, said
Monday that American Structurepoint is providing the planning service for a
building that will handle needs of the organization for 25 years. No timetable
has yet been established for financing and construction.

Last year Janus purchased 19 acres immediately west of their facilities
at 1555 Westfield Road for eventual expansion. The acreage is occupied by Noblesville
Golf and Batting Center, a recreational complex  which includes a driving
range, batting cages, miniature golf and sandlot volleyball. The center includes
a concession stand updated for use by Janus clients with disabilities to
be trained for employment.

Janus serves 200 disabled residents age 18 and over, enabling them to pursue
education, employment and skills for independent living. Some clients are also
placed at the Government and Judicial Center café for employment practice.

A number of programs at Janus are available for the disabled.  Sorensen says
this year, for example, it was discovered that art produced by clients would
successfully sell to the public.  Some is now exhibited for sale to allow the clients
to earn their own money.

A major and growing service of Janus is their public transportation system.
A total of 22 buses now transport not only those enrolled at Janus, but members
of the general public.  Hamilton County Express will, upon a call, go to anyone’s
home and provide a ride for a fee. During the past year there were 58,639
rides provided for folks in need of transportation to a doctor’s office, grocery, etc.

Recently, Janus partnered with Riverview Health to provide transportation
for hospital patients.  Four new vehicles were purchased for this expanded
service.

And, during the past summer Janus provided summer activities for youngsters ages 14 and
over with special needs.

The expanding role of the organization is maintained by an 88-member
paid staff. Janus is operating on a $4.5 million budget this year. Funding
comes from federal, state and local government sources, plus private fundraising
efforts.

The non-profit organization is governed by a board of 20 county citizen
members. Board president is John Schuler.