SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence Foundation breaking ground for new offices

~ SADI will move to the new location by Sept. 1.

When Miki Gudermuth decided to start a polio support group in 1984, she never would have guessed that some day she would lead an organization that supports all people with disabilities in Southeast Missouri, and that the foundation she began would grow out of its leased offices and into its own building.

As Gudermuth became a resource for disabled people dealing with similar issues, the support group incorporated into the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence Foundation. SADI now doesn't have a roof big enough for all the services provided.

Groundbreaking for SADI's new, nearly 10,000-square-foot office complex will take place at noon today. The land cost $70,000 and is already paid for. The $862,000 building is being financed with a guaranteed loan and will be paid for through a capital campaign.

Continuous growth

This will be the fourth office for SADI's in-home services, the first of which was Gudermuth's living room. The property is at 1913 Rusmar St. in Cape Girardeau, where SADI has room to expand.

"I am so excited since we are overflowing staff in what offices we lease presently," said Gudermuth, referring to the current office building in South Broadview Plaza. She said SADI will move to the new location by Sept. 1.

The organization has 30 administrative and billing staff and four drivers. Within the next three years, about 200 full- and part-time case-management and direct-care employees will be recruited, Gudermuth said.

"I would like to improve employment options for people with actual physical disabilities," she said. She wants people who are deaf and blind to be able to maintain self-sufficient jobs.

Inspiring others

More than 51 percent of the current staff and board of directors at SADI have some form of disability, acting as successful role models with direct impact on persons with disabilities in the community.

Gudermuth says it inspires people with lesser disabilities to do more when they see people in the office working in a wheelchair, for example. "I see a lot of areas where more people are crying out. So we start looking at opportunities," she said. "We ask, what else could we do to make life better?"

Last year, SADI provided resources and community education to more than 87 community organizations and more than 3,746 people with disabilities.

The core services include independent living skills training, peer support, advocacy and client assistance programs. All funds allocated for client assistance are derived through fund raising, corporate and private cash or material donations.

Plans for the future

"It's not a business, it's something in our hearts," Gudermuth said. "We feel for true independent living, everybody needs a support mechanism out there."

In the future Gudermuth wants to build a garage to house SADI's shuttle bus, and expand transportation to the five counties SADI serves -- Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, Perry and Scott, as well as the city of Sikeston -- so people with disabilities can get to doctors appointments and not feel isolated.

The organization also plans to offer cooking classes for people who are newly disabled, expand the loan closet for low-tech equipment like shower chairs, which are available through the center for free, and improve interpreting services for the deaf.

"People ask me if I'm ever going to retire," said Gudermuth, who is a polio survivor. "Someday. But first I would like to see a few other areas improved."

tkrakowiak@semissourian.com

(573) 335-6611, extension 137