By Andrea Bruner, Network of Community Options, Inc.
When it comes to charcuterie, there are no rules — trays can be any size or shape, made with any ingredients, and served at any meal.
At New Directions, clients discovered their inner “foodies” while expressing creativity with something everyone can relate to: food.
Sarah Castleberry (pictured above), owner and founder of Sarah•Dipity in Batesville, recently visited New Directions to present a program on charcuterie. She brought individually wrapped bowls and trays for clients to use in designing and creating their own charcuteries.
Castleberry said she launched Sarah•Dipity by making charcuterie boxes for delivery to nurses and teachers during lunch. That led to catering services, food trays, and eventually, a storefront in the Eagle Mountain Shopping Center.
After two years, the business outgrew its space, and in February, she opened a new location at the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue. Most days, she has her parents, Terry and Linda Pease, in the restaurant helping out.
Castleberry, who can often be found hosting various events in the community and speaking to groups, said she loves celebrating every milestone with families while building a family business with her own children.
At New Directions, she also spoke about incorporating fresh ingredients into quick and easy meals, like charcuterie boards. But this visit was about more than just arranging meats and cheeses — it was about engaging in a creative activity and sharing an experience with friends.
“Food is our common ground,” said Nena Branscum, program coordinator at New Directions. “It’s a universal experience, and we appreciate Sarah coming to present this program.
“New Directions is about nourishing our minds as well as our bodies, and we learned a lot about savory, salty and sweet treats. To top it off, some of our clients even tried foods they’d never tasted before!”
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New Directions is one of two Adult Developmental Day Treatment (ADDT) centers operated by Network of Community Options Inc. It is located at 285 E. College Ave. in Batesville. The other center, The Martin Center, is located at 28 Gibson Hill Road in Ash Flat.
The centers provide adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to develop life skills, communication, socialization, recreation, and pre-vocational training.
Individuals at the ADDT centers also participate in Special Olympics and other community events throughout the year. In the past, New Directions has hosted guest speakers on topics such as the solar eclipse, social media and internet safety, proper pet care, and other life skills.
New Directions aims to enrich the quality of life for those served by offering programs that help individuals remain as self-sufficient and independent as possible. The curriculum focuses on daily living, social interaction, and more.
NCO serves clients in 23 Arkansas counties, including Baxter, Clay, Cleburne, Craighead, Faulkner, Fulton, Garland, Greene, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Lonoke, Marion, Poinsett, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, White, and Woodruff.
For more information about New Directions, enrollment, or to schedule a tour, contact Nena Branscum at 870-569-1433 or nena.branscum@nco-inc.com. You may also contact Lisa Pinkston, NCO Inc. executive director, at 870-612-5900, ext. 101, or lisa.pinkston@nco-inc.com.
Images provided by Network of Community Options
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