Capstone Collegiate Communities has finished the construction of three new cottages for Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Center that will provide residences for 16 adults with special needs.
“It’s a very exciting project that feels really good when you know that you’re providing not just a house, but home for people who otherwise might have a hard time living as independently as these homes allow,” said Jim Beatty, vice president of C3.
Along with acquiring donations, C3 created a capital campaign and recently met the goal of $2.2 million needed to pay for the project.
“Our goal from the beginning is to raise enough to build beautiful homes that the people served by Glenwood deserve and to raise a little more to help get the programs started,” said Beatty.
With housing for adults and young adults being a great need for the facility, C3 executives were adamant about not only lending their services, but taking charge of the campaign to help fund it.
“One in 68 children born today will be diagnosed with autism. It impacts an entire family, and Glenwood has a great track record in helping people with autism,” Beatty said. “Our company has been successful, and we felt this was a project where we could offer our expertise and, with our great vendors, come together and do something amazing for the community.”
The team reached its fundraising goal near the end of the year, just as they put the finishing touches on the homes, which were begun in May. Each cottage is designed to be appealing, but special touches also meet the needs of Glenwood residents.
According to Beatty, it was important for each room to have its own bathroom, with a walk-in shower and a tub to suit any resident’s physical abilities. The common areas in the cabins are an open floor plan with a kitchen and large granite island on one side and a living space on the other. Each cottage additionally includes a private porch, which the builders feel will be a great asset when residents’ families come to visit.
In the middle of the three homes, a fire pit leads to a large pavilion overlooking Turkey Foot Lake, which can be used by the cottage residents as well as all of the Glenwood community.
“The setting is beautiful, and we feel that The Hope Cottages are in keeping with the natural setting. The homes are gorgeous because that’s what everyone deserves. In fact, everyone who has seen them has said, ‘I wouldn’t mind living here,’” Beatty said.
Though the goal has been met monetarily, Beatty said there is still a need for donations, particularly in the form of home goods. The cabins are furnished with basic necessities that were donated by C3 vendors, including couches, beds, chests of drawers and porch furniture.
Beatty and his team are looking for help to outfit the homes with items that each resident will need when they move in, such as bed linens, kitchen items and televisions.
“There’s a saying that a house is made of bricks and stones but a home is made of hopes and dreams. While the structures are beautiful, the most important thing is that, when you support this project, you truly help people with autism and their families live better lives. Think about what home means to you. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of giving a gift that helps people reach their potential?” Beatty said.
In addition to providing the three cottages, which will be celebrated with a grand opening Jan. 17, C3 leveled land next to the developed property in the hope that Glenwood and its supporters will build more housing.
