(Chelsea Update would like to thank Joe Yekulis for the information in this story and Kelly Flaherty for the photos in this slideshow.)
After several years of planning and fundraising, the St. Louis Center celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for St. Louis Guanella Village with about 275 of their closest friends on Thursday, Sept. 29.
The “Village” is considered an “intentional community,” and will begin constructing four new children’s homes immediately for their existing residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Eventually, the “Village” will also include new direct care facilities, townhouses, and family homes for people with I/DD. In spite of the rain-soaked evening, supporters came from far and wide to enjoy a fine selection of hors d’oeuvres provided by Food Art Caterers, and plenty of speeches from local dignitaries. Development Director Peggy Cole, who planned the event, was ecstatic that the time had finally arrived to sink shovels into the ground.
“We owe this moment to our many supporters who see St. Louis Center as a bright light that can lead the way for others into the future. We have many hard working Board members and Legacy Campaign members who have shared our dream of the St. Louis Guanella Village, and have worked to make this happen,” she said.
Speakers included Howdy Holmes, Norm and Kathi Neuman, Judy Dow Rumelhart, Will Johnson, Judy Greenbaum, John Thorhauer, and Congressman Tim Walberg (R-7th Dist.).
Fr. Joseph Rinaldo provided the ceremonial blessing of the ground on stage, and Fr. Enzo Addari introduced the next generation of three priests who had just arrived from India.
“Our theme for tonight was Building and Moving Forward. This represents the continuation of Fr. Guanella’s dream now and into the future for our religious community. Our goal remains to be the best provider of compassionate care for residents with I/DD in Michigan, and our new facilities will allow us to accomplish that dream,” he said.
For more information about St. Louis Center, please visit www.stlouiscenter.org.
