SARASOTA – A Sarasota non-profit is expanding their campus to help house more adults with disabilities on the Suncoast.
For over 66 years, the Haven has served those in Sarasota and Manatee, providing programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
“We have a 32 acre campus right in the center of Sarasota right next to Benderson Park and UTC mall, it used to be in the middle of nowhere now it’s in the center of everything so as our campus has developed we’ve grown our programs tremendously now serving over 700 people each day,” said President and CEO of The Haven, Brad Jones.
One of the nonprofit’s most popular programs is their residential program, which currently serves 49 full time residents in six group homes on the campus, but the need is increasing
“We have about 155 people on the waiting list to get in that program, so it’s definitely needed, it’s definitely in demand, we’re lucky enough that we have been able to raise some substantial donations to build two more group homes that we hope to break ground on in October,” said Jones.
One of the houses will be specifically for seniors. some have lived on the campus for over 60 years
“We’re entering some new challenges where they are aging just like everyone else and they have different needs especially Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Jones.
The homes will be specifically tailored for them, through a partnership with Florida State, medical students and doctors will develop a program for those with Dementia.
“Things that we haven’t been able to do in the past, where we’ve had to send them to another facility, now we’ll have the medical resources to care for them here,” said Director of Mission Engagement at The Haven, Hallie Peilet.
The Haven offers a variety of jobs, helping residents earn a paycheck. The non-profit truly serves as a safe haven.
“For parents to know that their child can go somewhere and have a job, and earn real money, and they can spend it how they want, just like you and I get to, we do a lot of different things and it really is such a special place and it’s somewhere you just have to come see to believe,” said Peilet.
For more information on the non-profit, you can visit their website here.