Creating a Haven

EAST COUNTY — Liisa Newman can’t help but smile with excitement thinking about the future her son, William, now will have.

A two-year resident at Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities, William, 21, enjoys working, socializing and living as independently as possible.

“You’re hopeful when you have your kids and along the way, doors kept closing (for us). After 18 years of worrying, we found this,” Newman said. “It’s sheer joy as he has his independence.

“His life was so restrictive at home,” she said. “We’ve been helped, but there’s so many people out there who need help, too.”

As Community Haven celebrates its 60th anniversary this month, the organization is in a state of expansion and hopes to revolutionize care for individuals with special needs, particularly as they age.

The organization’s leaders shared with the public for the first time a long-range plan for improving

CHAC’s 32-acre campus May 8, during an informal fundraiser kickoff/educational luncheon in Sarasota.

The multimillion dollar multiphase project, once finished, would include a therapeutic recreation center with pools, an exercise area, a new building for its Haven Industries program, separate entrances for CHAC’s residents and the public, a senior center, new group homes, athletic fields and an amphitheater, among other improvements.

“It’s just on paper right now, but it’s nice to have a plan to show people,” said Brad Jones, director of adult services for CHAC. “We’re in a huge state of expansion. We pretty much have waiting lists for all our programs. We’ve maxed out the space we have.”

Forward thinking
Community Haven’s leaders have spent the last two years renovating and addressing capital needs for the organization. Now, they seek operational dollars and to build an endowment that will help fund the organization for the next 60 years, Doss said.

“There’s so much happening out here,” CEO Marla Doss said. “Our dream is to grow it. The need is there.”
CHAC’s Haven Industries program, which employs disabled adults and provides revenue for the agency, is spread across three buildings on the campus.

“It’s a logistical nightmare,” Jones said.

CHAC’s first phase of plans, to be completed within five years for a cost of up to $3 million, includes the construction of a new group home and a new Haven Industries building, as well as an upscale resale shop, which is open to the public. The building will be close to DeSoto Road, at the front of the property, where CHAC’s greenhouse was. A secondary entrance — one just for residents of CHAC — will be added, as well.

Five to 10 years out, CHAC will build other buildings, including a new administration building up front, three new group homes and a new Selby Pre-School building.

Plans for projects in the first 10 years will cost about $20 million.

CHAC’s most expansive plans, however are reserved for after 10 years. They include the addition of a second Haven Industries building, a multipurpose recreational facility, three new group homes, a new Selby Academy building (high school) and a senior center that will allow group-home residents to age on property.

Doss breaks into a smile as she points to the future buildings — and other features, such as an outdoor courtyard, athletic fields and an amphitheater — on a site plan.

“People need to know this precious agency exists and lives are impacted every day,” she said. “Our families and clients offer good ideas (for the future, as shown in our plans). They’re always thinking beyond the here and now. They want these opportunities.

“I’m grateful that our community is aware and embracing our vision and mission for the future and have assisted us so much in the last 60 years,” Doss said. “I look forward to a bright future serving these each individuals each and every day.”

TIMELINE:
1954 to 1957 A group of parents work to establish a school for developmentally disabled children in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The Manatee School Board approved moving a building from Manatee Elementary School to General Tinker Avenue at the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport.

1958 to 1963 Ground breaking ceremonies are held for Children’s Haven (now Community Have), adjacent to Sunshine Corner Day School. The Paul W. Beaven Sheltered Workshop and Training Center is dedicated.

1964 to 1968 Children’s Haven announces the purchase of 32 acres to house new facilities; construction on Selby Day School is completed.

1970 to 1977 The Laura B. Freitag Occupational Training Building is completed.

1983 to 1986 South Sarasota Kiwanis dedicate the third building they have built at Children’s Haven in the past 10 years. The Eagle House group home opens.

1989 to 2013 Four group homes open and the Adulty Day Training building is renovated.
Timeline courtesy of Community Haven

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].