"Our mission...is to provide opportunities to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities for growth and independence in their community. Our task is one of discovery, our discovery of what a person values and what things are hassles to him. His discovery will be of available desired choices. We strive to listen to each individual and let him create his own place based on his dreams, desires and needs." These heartfelt words were spoken by Daniel Armond, the founder and president of Golden Rule Services, to the families of the men and women with special needs working within the program to achieve independence and a higher quality of life. Golden Rule Services offers these men and women a unique opportunity to learn and grow under the watchful eye of the organization's caring, trained and professional staff members. Every participant in the programs at Golden Rule Services is seen not as a person with a disability but as a person with the potential for achievement. "The difference and uniqueness in the approach of Golden Rule Services is that instead of focusing on the deficits or disabilities of an individual, we focus on the potential and abilities; instead of dwelling on past failures, we focus on future successes," states Armond. "Emphasis is placed on a person's capabilities rather than his or her limitations." Anyone interested in volunteering to be part of the program or making a donation can do so by visiting www.GoldenRuleServices.org. "Our Golden Rule [is] to treat people as we would like to be treated," states Armond. "We are...deeply grateful for all the help that you can extend to us as we continue to grow and empower our individuals." For more information, visit Golden Rule Services on the web at www.GoldenRuleServices.org.
