Barber Center unveils new home for adults with significant physical challenges

By:Chelsey Withers 

A new group home will soon be added to the East Bayfront neighborhood.

The Barber National Institute held its groundbreaking ceremony today at the home's 200 block of East Avenue location.

The new home will look to host four residents and accommodate for the different needs of adults with significant physical challenges.

One board member went on to say as exciting as today is, what's more exciting is what's to come in the future.

Vice President of Program Development and Family Focus Services Pam Baker says, "It's always fun the day the individuals come in to see it and see their excitement because some of these individuals reside with us right now, but because of their needs they'll be moving into the new home, so it's very exciting."

 Construction will get underway soon on a modern, 4,800 square foot structure located at 203 East Avenue.

An older structure on the property was recently cleared to make way for the residence that will feature:

• An attractive brick edifice with an outdoor patio accented by flower gardens and trees.
• Four spacious bedrooms providing privacy for personal care needs. An office near the cluster of bedrooms keeps staff close by throughout the night.
• Two living areas providing flexibility for resident’s interests and preferences.
• A large kitchen with portions of the counter at wheelchair level to enable residents to participate in meal preparation.
• Circular driveway for easier transportation.
• Two completely accessible bathrooms.
• Wider doorways and hall ways.

The new group home is designed by Roth Marz Partnership and construction is being completed by Building Systems Incorporated (BSI) of Erie.

Representatives went on to say the hope is to have the residents moving into the home by the end of September

https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/barber-center-unveils-new-home-for-adults-with-significant-physical-challenges/1995173038