The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

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June 24, 2009

Arc invites public to visit rural group homes

By Courtney L. Anderson

FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP — “The peace and quiet” is James Boyland’s favorite thing about living in one of two new Arc of Mercer County group homes in Fairview Township.

James, 19, took a break from an open house and barbecue at the Coolspring Church Road property to talk about the place that’s been his home since March.

“It’s very nice,” he said. “The staff is nice and friendly.”

The spacious homes have five bedrooms, large kitchens and bathrooms, a living room and a sun porch area.

“We’re all jealous” of the kitchen, residence program supervisor Shirley Hershberger said.

Brenda Jewell, The Arc’s residence program director, said that it’s nice to have the two homes close together. They can borrow things from their neighbors if they need to and if one person isn’t interested in what’s going on in one house, he or she can visit the other.

“It’s a nice life,” Ms. Jewell said.

The homes opened in February after construction started last summer. Arc Chief Executive Officer Robert Beach said they are “absolutely” a success and they hope to open more group homes in rural areas in the future.

“It’s serving the purpose it was meant to,” Beach said, adding that the residents have “more freedom” in the country.

Ms. Jewell said there are 15 homes in the county, most in more urban settings.

James said he used to live in the Greenville area and commented on the great view of the hills and fields from his new front porch.

When he’s not working three or four days a week at MCAR, James said he likes to play video games and take walks with his buddy Ryan O’Conner.

Since his job involves cooking, James often cooks at home, as well. He said his favorite thing is cooking chicken on the grill with Louisiana barbecue sauce. It’s a hit with his fellow residents, who he said also help out at dinnertime.

Currently, seven individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live in the two homes with full-time live-in staff. There’s one opening and James said whoever gets to live there will be “completely satisfied.”

The residents planted a small garden on the property this year, Ms. Jewell said, and they hope to grow more food next year when they have more time to prepare.

Everyone picked their favorite vegetables, Ms. Jewell said. James said they planted turnips, spinach, onions, broccoli and eggplant.

There are a couple cats on the property, which the residents enjoy. They also catch quite a few field mice, James said.

Beach said they may try to get more animals on the property.

The project was in the works for three years and the homes were built through a $388,000 grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, $147,000 from Mercer County Regional Planning Commission and almost $500,000 in private donations.

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