Potential group home restriction in Columbus harmful
Published 4:58 pm Tuesday, November 27, 2012
There are policies in place to ensure that no person with a criminal or violent history will be accepted into our programs. The residents and family members of those in our group homes have had no corresponding legal issues and no disturbances of the peace for these years.
In fact, Synergy In Action, Inc. is not standing against Columbus enacting the allowable zoning restrictions if the council sees fit. It has never been the intention of Synergy In Action to do anything unlawful, unethical or against the public good. There have been no laws or ordinances broken by the opening of any of the group homes in this area, and Synergy will continue to abide by the relevant laws if any changes are made. Although the council is within its legal rights to enact this zoning restriction, Synergy In Action, Inc. would like for all people involved in this decision to consider the discriminatory tone of the act.
People with disabilities have the same need as any other human being. They are your neighbors already. They are your church members and in your family or your friends’ families. There are disabled adults in every walk of life and they are a daily blessing to those around them.
Synergy In Action, Inc. is a group home provider. We are also a consumer of goods and services and an employer in Polk County. We hope to continue to be a vital contributor to the successful life of Polk County and all its citizens.
– Kathy W. Romich, executive administrator, Synergy In Action, Inc.