OhioRISE believes theater can help

FOR THE CHILDREN — Andrea Andrusewicz, care coordinator for the Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s OhioRISE program, met with Squeaky Wheel Theater Co. manager Erich Offenburg to discuss the importance of theater to those special needs. -- Contributed
COLUMBIANA — Those with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center OhioRISE program celebrated a special group of people who took to the stage in a special needs production of “Alice in Wonderland Jr.”
OhioRISE care coordinator Andrea Andrusewicz met with Erich Offenburg, manager and executive director of the Squeaky Wheel Theater Co. in Columbiana.
The two believe theater is an effective outlet and way to build skills for young people whom OhioRise assists. OhioRISE is a Medicaid-managed care program for youths who have complex behavioral health and multi-system needs in Columbiana, Belmont, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, Stark and Tuscarawas counties.
The program was formed to coordinate resources so families can be connected with the available resources they need. Andrusewicz said the theater is good for the community because it brings everyone together and informs residents of those who have special needs, as some people are unfamiliar. The theater is a coping mechanism for many children with special needs, officials noted.
Maryalice Surgenavic, OhioRISE care coordinator supervisor, is a long-time volunteer and serves on the theater company board. She stated the program has found that participation can build a gamut of skills, such as expressive language and communication through music.
She noted several youths are involved with the theater company during its summer drama camps and in special needs productions. Offenburg works closely with Surgenavic, holding performances for those with special needs twice a year. Upcoming performances will be held in May and October.