The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

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August 20, 2008

Group homes going up in ‘relaxed, rural setting’ in Fairview Township

By Courtney Anderson

FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP — Construction is under way on two group homes in Fairview Township for low-income people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Arc of Mercer County is aiming for the homes at 843 Coolspring Church Road to be finished in January, CEO Robert Beach said.

The project has been in the works for three years,

“Because many individuals with disabilities have had difficulties adjusting to life in the populated areas of Mercer County, we wanted to build these new homes in a more relaxed, rural setting,” Beach said.

“It is our hope that as more individuals with developmental disabilities are included in all settings, they will be more accepted in our society.”

One five-bedroom home is being built through a $388,000 grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the other is funded by $147,000 from Mercer County Regional Planning Commission. The Arc also received almost $500,000 in private donations for the project, according to a news release.

The money allowed The Arc to buy 42 acres, develop infrastructure and build two fully accessible homes in a central location, Beach said.

Contractors for the job are Best Builders of Beaver Falls, Leali Brothers of Hermitage, Lark & Son Construction of West Middlesex and Landfried Paving in Greenville.

The homes will be managed by Fairfields Inc., a non-profit agency set up by The Arc.

Duane Lewis, president of Fairfields’ board of directors, was instrumental in locating and purchasing the land, Beach said.

The new homes expand MCAR’s residential program beyond the Shenango Valley, Lewis said in a news release.

“We want to create a farm-like environment with animals and gardens that the individuals take care of,” Lewis said. “The property also gives MCAR the option for developing recreational facilities and camps.”

Each home will have space for four clients and live-in staff.

People interested in living in the homes may apply beginning in November. For more information or an application, call Beach at 724-981-2950.





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