Many communities struggle to find homes for their less fortunate. Those that are considered less fortunate may be considered such because of poverty or even illnesses.

The mentally and physically ill people in the world make up the majority of the homeless population. Too often disabled individuals don’t understand how to get help or don’t have anyone to care enough for them to lead them to an institution that caters to their needs. Many are in places where there is no help.

Fortunately in Dallas County anyone who has a disability has an outstanding place to go.

It is a place that welcomes those who have trouble coping with the normal world around them. A place which educates, cares and inspires those special individuals to achieve more than they and many others ever imagined.

Patricia Martin, Executive Director of the Cahaba Center, has seen changes in the healthcare industry over the last 30 years during her watch at the center. The industry has made giant leaps in caring in recent years.

In past, centers of this sort turned many individuals away or worst provided them below par living conditions and therapy.

Cahaba Center will not turn any one away. The center is open to any member of the public, regardless of their ability or inability to pay.

The center is funded mostly by Medicare, which means that the doors are open to anyone who walks in and wants help.

The care that is provided now versus years ago has increased as well. The days of malnutrition, uncleanliness and neglect have gone.

Now with the times having changed, the care that is offered is considered exceptional.

Some of those services which are provided are out-patient therapy, addiction therapy and medical advice.

The work which the Cahaba Center does ranks up there with the best agencies in healthcare. Providing the care that they provide is a direct result of special people who have a special love for the disabled.

We are thankful to have an institution such as this serving our community and hope that only positive advances continue to be made.