Orange Grove Center will be celebrating the opening of two new intermediate care facilities (ICF) on Mountain Creek Road this Thursday, with an open house at the homes from 5-7 pm.
The new additions bring to 18 the number of intermediate care homes Orange Grove has in the Chattanooga/Hamilton County area, all of which serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex medical needs.
Each new facility will house four residents and a live-in house manager.
Many of the individuals who reside in the homes have very limited mobility, according to Bev Witt, Orange Grove’s director of the ICF program. She says the homes feature state-of-the-art equipment that allows the residents full access to the amenities the homes offer while also insuring staff safety.
“All the people we worked with to build these homes were true partners in the effort, and committed to providing the best living situation we can for these individuals,” Ms. Witt said. Due to the significant needs of many of the individuals, the homes are staffed around the clock.
The Mountain Creek homes were funded in part by HOMEAgain grants administered by Chattanooga’s Office of Neighborhood Services and Community Development. Other partners in the development of the homes were TWH Architects, Helton Construction and First Tennessee Bank, all of whom worked with Orange Grove on similar projects on Pinewood Drive and Chandler Avenue.
Orange Grove relied on long-time supporters and friends from the Alpha Beta Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) to create a home-like atmosphere in the homes. The sorority purchased all interior decorations for the homes as well as everything needed for the kitchens. Sorority volunteers spent many hours shopping for and decorating the homes.
“When we decorate these homes, our top priority is to create a comfortable, welcoming environment for the residents and the people who support them,” said Wanda Collins, co-president of the local chapter.
For more information, call 423 308-1160.