Written by Amanda Coers – The Brownwood and Early Chambers of Commerce held a joint ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly rebuilt Janie Clements Industries, JCI Adult Day Habilitation Program building located at 408 Mulberry Street in Brownwood on June 4th. The building was recently back in use after a complete rebuild was needed in the wake of a devastating fire in 2016.
During the reception held at 3:30 p.m. in the new building, CEO of Center for Life Resources Dion White took time to thank the Brownwood Fire Department.
“When we were at our darkest time, literally, it was nighttime when that fire happened, y’all stepped in there like real heroes,” White said as he remembered the fire on September 6, 2016. It is believed a water heater malfunctioned and caused the fire that gutted the building.
“I got a call at 3 a.m. and all I heard was fire and JCI,” White remembered. “The next thing I know I’m in the car and I’m thinking ‘Well maybe it’s not that bad…’ and as I got closer I saw an orange hue. My heart sunk. From that day I was devastated, because of all the services we do here and the legacy, to see it just burn.”
Though tragic, White calls the timing of the fire a blessing because no one was in the building when it occurred. Several of the JCI employees utilize wheelchairs and walkers, and some have mental handicaps that could have caused pandemonium during the fire and possible loss of life.
“What if this fire happened in the middle of the day? When we have folks in wheel chairs, then it would have been even more devastating. So I give thanks to God that no one was here at that time,” he said.
Working through the setback, Center For Life Resources managed to find temporary work locations for the employees while the rebuilding took place. The facility, now better than ever, was opened recently to resume services.
“Through those ashes we came out stronger, and we’re keeping Janie Clements’ legacy and her memory alive,” White said.
Janie Clements Industries, JCI, was founded in 1972 as a Vocational Training Center for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. One of the organization’s founders, Janie Clements, was a strong advocate in the community, and the center was thus named for her. The programs Day Habilitation services are designed to provide individualized assistance for persons who wish to acquire healthy life skills that will enable them to be productive and contributing members of their community.
The center also offers a variety of recreational activities including arts and crafts as well as interactive movement to improve motor skills.
JCI partners with local schools to offer vocational skills and training and has working partnerships with Kohler, the Texas Department of Transportation, DanHil Containers, and other entities.
