A training center for adults with disabilities in Muhlenberg County is getting a new home. A $1 million Federal and State Grant will help open the new Opportunity Center.
Last year, the center received a $50,000 grant for upgrades, which seemed big at the time, but now they'll be able to make a lot more improvements thanks to this latest chunk of change.
Pam Smith has been working at the Opportunity Center for over a decade and says it's a special feeling knowing this place is getting an upgrade.
"To actually see it coming to bear is really exciting," Smith said.
The operation is split into four separate areas: a thrift store, a recycling center, a grocery store, and a production center.
Opportunity Center Executive Director Chuck Bridges hopes a new building will add to their efficiency.
"The layout, the floor plan is going to be more conductive to production type contract work. It's going to be between nine and 10,000 square feet," Bridges said.
The current facility has been around since the 60's and Smith says with leaks and spotty lighting, the upkeep has been a challenge.
"For the clients to have a nice clean place to come to work that has better heat, better air conditioning, better lighting, we're just really excited," Smith told 14 News.
The move also allows the center to add more jobs.
"When you're talking about putting 15-25 more people to work, that's a shot in the arm, that's great," Bridges said.
Both Bridges and Smith agree, getting a new building with new equipment is nice, but it's the Opportunity Center for a reason and having a chance to make a positive impact on these people's lives is the true prize.
"They want the same thing you and I want, that's love, respect, and dignity and we give them that here and give them the opportunity to be a productive part of society," said Bridges.
"What is most exciting is the reward that I get every single day when I get to come in here and work with these special people, and that's what this is all about," Smith said.
There's still a few details to work out but the staff hopes to break ground on the new facility sometime this Spring.
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