Several residents of the Jonesboro Human Development Center (JHDC) chatted eagerly about the possibility of moving into a new transitional housing complex as they waited for a groundbreaking ceremony to get under way Monday.
"I hope I get to move there," one man said.
"Officials from the JHDC and United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas were on hand to announce the beginning of construction of the facility at the southwest corner of Stadium Boulevard and Fox Meadow Lane.
"Two 4-bedroom houses will be built initially, with an expected completion date around eight months from now. The complex will eventually include a total of six houses, and one community building, to accommodate adults with developmental disabilities who are at a point in their lives where they may be able to live with limited assistance.
"This has been a dream for a number of people for a number of years," said Larry Stang, CEO of UCP of Arkansas. "It's going to make a difference for a lot of people and help them maximize their potential and realize their dreams."
"Forrest Steele, superintendent of the JHDC, said the idea of transitional housing has been around since the early 1990s, but it didn't pick up steam until about five years ago when UCP was able to get some of the mechanisms and funding in place.
"To say that we're excited about this would be an understatement," Steele said.
"The JHDC currently has about 115 residents with a variety of disabilities. While there, residents learn skills to help them function as independently as possible. Some who are ready to move on to a home with less supervision will now have a place to go.
Details about the project
"Each of the transitional houses will be 2,000 square feet and have three bedrooms for residents and one bedroom for a residential assistant. Residents may stay for six months to a year, depending on their needs and abilities, Steele said.
"Assistants will help residents learn the skills they need to live on their own, with the goal of each resident making a successful transition to a more independent home. Residents will still be able to use the facilities and resources of the JHDC, which is nearby on Colony Drive.
"Most residents will come from the JHDC, but the housing is not limited to that source. If no qualified applicants are found for an opening, the five other human development centers in the state will be contacted. If there is still room, other community members may be selected to live there.
"The 3-acre parcel on which the homes will be built belongs to the JHDC. UCP of Arkansas, however, will be in charge of construction and staffing.
"Daniel Leslie, UCP of Arkansas community and business development director, noted the project supports the Community Choice Act recently introduced in Congress. The act promotes community living for people with developmental disabilities.
"Advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities is the mission of UCP, and this transitional housing project is a testament to this mission," Stang said.
"Rick Fleetwood, chairman of the board of UCP Arkansas, said the project means an improved quality of life for people with disabilities.
"I could not be prouder of what's going on here," Fleetwood said.
"The nonprofit UCP of Arkansas was incorporated in 1957 and has headquarters in Little Rock.
"The JHDC opened in 1974 with the mission of providing 24-hour residential services to people with a primary diagnosis of mental retardation. Residents vary in age from 18-61. Training is provided in the areas of daily living, vocational and recreational skills. Medical care, psychological counseling, and physical, occupational and speech therapies are also provided."
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