The Point/Arc Breaking Ground on New Education Center in Covington

Submitted by Kendall Herold

Covington, Ky. (July 24, 2018) – The Point/Arc of Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati will break ground on its new Dr. Anthony and Geraldine Zembrodt Education Center on Wednesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. The Zembrodt Education Center, located behind The Point/Arc office at 104 W. Pike Street in Covington, will allow The Point/Arc to hold educational, activities, social communication, advocacy, and employment services under one roof and increase the number of people served. 

The mission of The Point/Arc is to fill in the service gaps for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) educationally, residentially, socially and vocationally, allowing them to reach their highest potential. The three-story Zembrodt Education Center will provide the space needed to continue to offer employment services, pre-vocational skills and career exploration classes to individuals, helping them find meaningful work as adults. It will also allow the Social Communication program and Education Services to grow, providing more transition, life skills, advocacy, parent support and social opportunities.  

"In our conversations with families, we've learned there are so many needs connected to helping teens transition to the adult world, building life skills, educating parents on topics that will empower them from the elementary years through adulthood, and expanding services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders," said Jennifer Wells, Vice President of The Point/Arc Zembrodt Education Center. "We also recognize there is a need and desire for a sense of connection. We hope to bring local community members together over shared interests connected to the arts, and in doing so, foster a community of belonging." 

The Point/Arc has recently sought and gained collaborative opportunities with local artists and plans to host events within the community and at the new Center around the arts.  

"We're intentionally creating a space that will be a place for community members to gather, where people with and without disabilities can share their interests and experience a sense of belonging," said Wells. 

The Point/Arc began in 1972 as a parent group with no budget, growing today to a holistic agency with a wide range of around the clock programs for four-year-olds to 80-year-olds with a variety of disabilities, from down syndrome to autism to many one-of-a-kind diagnoses. The Point/Arc serves more than 1,500 individuals annually through its programs and services. 

"We strive to help all our individuals become contributing members of our community. With guidance and support, our individual's talents are reinforced while shaping their future and preparing them for a life filled with independence, pride and confidence as they live their life and explore their dreams," said Judi Gerding, founder and president of The Point. "The Dr. Anthony and Geraldine Zembrodt Education Center will allow us to continue on this mission and more than double the individuals we currently serve." 

The Point/Arc is still raising money for the Dr. Anthony and Geraldine Zembrodt Education Center through it's "Every Gift Counts" Capital Campaign. 

The Dr. Anthony and Geraldine Education Center was designed by Hub & Weber Architects. The project is being managed by Kevin Hemmer of Kevin Hemmer Construction. Demolition and excavation of the site was provided by Hosea Project Movers. 

For more information or to contribute to The Point/Arc, visit www.ThePointArc.org or call 859-491-9191.