New Pickerington ViaQuest serves special-needs population
A Dublin-based healthcare company that focuses on serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities opened a new office Aug. 1 in Pickerington at 557 Hill Road North.
ViaQuest Inc. was founded in Dublin in 1999 and has 55 offices throughout Ohio.
Company President and CEO Rich Johnson said the roughly 5,000-square-foot office in Pickerington will employ 15 to 20.
He said the for-profit company is 100% government funded through Medicaid, so all services and programs are provided at no cost to clients.
"Pickerington is a growing community," Johnson said. "It's thriving. This office will help us serve the eastern side of Franklin County, even into Licking County."
Johnson said ViaQuest will provide 17 day-program and job-assistance services to clients through a range of activities, including trips to the Pickerington Public Library and local parks.
"We're targeting (assistance to) anywhere from 30 to 40 people in the area," he said. "It's important for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have interaction with others. It's critical to their wellbeing."
According to its website, ViaQuest serves people throughout Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. The company's overall operations also provide hospice, behavioral and mental-health services and medication training to clients.
"We cover around 45 counties throughout the state of Ohio," Johnson said. "That includes not only offices but day programs.
"We also have 300 residential homes that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities."
Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce President Kim Barlag said ViaQuest's presence in Pickerington can bolster the local workforce and help bring activities and services to people and their families who need them.
"With its new Pickerington location, ViaQuest is bringing solutions for independence for the people in our community with special needs," Barlag said. "The company’s programs will help people live better lives and support workforce development. It’s a win-win for Pickerington."
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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: New Pickerington ViaQuest serves special-needs population
