DANFORTH, Maine — A facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Danforth has received nearly $1.4 million thanks to a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office announced the federal awards last week as part its efforts to support rural communities.
The Danforth Habilitation Residential Center, a small, home-like nursing facility for individuals diagnosed with co-existent health problems and intellectual disabilities in the Danforth area, will use the funds to build a replacement facility.
According to Lynette Young of the Danforth Habilitation Association, the building used by the group dates back to 1891 and has outlived its usefulness. Construction on the new facility has already begun and once complete, one additional resident can be enrolled in the program.
“We are licensed for seven, but we did not have the physical space without taking away living space from others,” Young said. “We serve adults with intellectual disabilities who also require nursing care.”
Once construction on the new building is complete, the plan is to demolish the old one. The new facility will be located adjacent to the current one. The Danforth Habilitation Residential Center currently has one opening, and will have an extra opening once the new building is complete.
Young anticipates a completion date of June, 2015.
“We strive to promote maximum independence in each of our clients to aid them in achieving their greatest potential,” Young said. “Our residents enjoy an active life and are well integrated into the greater community while receiving individualized assistance in meeting their specific needs.”
The health care facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for adults 18 and older.
Located along the Baskehegan River, the new building will include five private rooms and one semi-private room and also features a training room, which is something that does not exist in the current facility, Young said.
“We are so excited and cannot wait to get into our new building,” Young said. “There are so many things that will be better to provide services for our residents. It’s been a long-time in coming.”
“I am pleased USDA Rural Development can contribute to rural health care upgrades in a substantial way, through helping to provide a new health care facility and a new life-saving ambulance for Maine residents in very rural areas,” Virginia Manuel, USDA rural development state director, said in a written statement.
Anson Madison Starks Emergency Services, in Madison, was also selected to receive a total of $161,800 (a Community Facility Direct Loan of $132,000, and a Rural Economic Impact Initiative Grant of $29,800) to purchase a new ambulance.
The Danforth Habilitiation Association also owns two assisted living homes (Sandy Brook and Central Street) and Birchwood Hills, a community supports program.
