|
BY ALISON FREEHLING
Published April 7, 2004
HAMPTON - After failing to negotiate a new lease, the Arc of the Virginia Peninsula, which provides programs for the disabled, will move out of its longtime home this summer to other sites.
A nonprofit company will move into the vacated space at the Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Center in Hampton, a privately funded organization that offers many services for the mentally and physically disabled.
Eggleston Services, the nonprofit company, plans to start programs similar to what the Arc offered there, essentially adding a new service provider in Hampton.
But the change raises many questions and some fears for the families of approximately 200 people who work or receive services at the center.
Local leaders who work with the disabled have promised to make the transition as smooth as possible. The Arc has been located at the site since the 1960s.
"We understand that there's an emotional connection, and that this could create some anxiety," said Paul Babcock, president and CEO of the Arc. "As much as we can, we want to support whatever the desires of our families are."
The Arc will begin moving out in July, said Christine Felts, executive director of the Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Foundation. Eggleston, a Norfolk-based company that already runs programs for the disabled throughout Hampton Roads, will move in and gradually take over residential, job training, educational and recreation programs, Felts said.
She said she hopes families would have a choice of moving with the Arc or working with Eggleston or the Hampton/Newport News Community Services Board, which also runs programs for the disabled. Babcock, however, said that's still not clear because of complicated funding questions.
Acknowledging that the uncertainty is upsetting some families, the three groups pledged to work together as the move approaches. "Ideally, there will be no disruption of service," Felts said. "Our concern is that people will be upset because they have a long-term relationship with the Arc, but we're going to work hard to help them feel comfortable."
The same kind of services would be available despite the changes, even if the provider is different, said Charles Hall, executive director of the Hampton/Newport News Community Services Board. But, Hall added, "by definition there's a loss here. Parents that have come to rely on the Arc are used to going to the center, and it might not be easy to have to go somewhere else."
The Arc's lease actually ran out three years ago, and negotiations to keep the group in place were not successful, Felts said. She declined to elaborate.
Babcock said the requested rent was higher than his group wanted to pay.
The Arc plans to move its work and day programs to another site in Hampton - the group is close to finalizing that deal - and is looking for group homes in other neighborhoods for its residential program, he said. Twenty-four people currently live on-site at the Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Center.
Eggleston is licensed to do everything but run the residential program and plans to get that license soon, Felts said. Center leaders also hope the change will add new services. One idea, Felts said, is an adult day-care program for people who reach retirement age but still want to work a few hours a day to keep busy.
While the Arc and Eggleston technically will be in competition, Babcock said there's plenty of need to go around.
"I think there are some real potential positives here in terms of expanded services," he said.
Hall, however, cautioned that parents with children who don't get services now shouldn't expect to get help because a new provider moves into town.
"I worry about them misunderstanding that," he said. "The addition of another vendor does not mean the addition of more services."
Felts asked any families with questions or concerns to call her at 827-8757.
afreehling@dailypress.com, 247-4789
|
