Groundbreaking Ceremony Draws Supporters

The Groundbreaking Ceremony has come and gone, but what a day it was! Jacob’s Village welcomed many public officials, supporters, volunteers and residents for a festive start to the newest addition to our beautiful neighborhood. Board Chairman Al Umbach welcomed attendees and introduced Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, who offered opening remarks. The Village’s President/CEO Cheryl Kuchna then introduced other public officials including State Representative Wendy McNamara, who presented JV resident

Scott Huck with a new American flag for the Village. Also on hand were State Senators Jim Tomes and Vaneta Becker, State Representative Suzanne Crouch, Country Commissioner Marla Abell, Congressman Larry Bucshon’s Deputy District Director Justin Groenert, and Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Janet Schultheis.

After a short program, Cheryl invited everyone to move to the groundbreaking site, where Board members and selected guests turned the first shovels full of earth to officially open the construction site. After Deacon Joe Stofleth offered a short prayer of thanksgiving, everyone gathered for cake and refreshments. Bethesda Area Director Meredith Buchanan led guests on a tour of one of our existing homes so they could more readily appreciate what Jacob’s Village has to offer its residents.

The new apartments address a critical need in our community – accessible and affordable housing for disabled and older adults who are challenged to find suitable housing on limited incomes. Funded in part by a $1.3 million award from Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, the apartments will offer residents universal design features, accessibility inside and out, along with energy saving appliances, all in a beautiful natural setting. Moreover, they will help us further our mission of developing a safe, walkable neighborhood community where people with disabilities and older adults can find not only accessible housing, but activities that encourage active minds and bodies, and the opportunity to forge new friendships in a caring community.

Excerpt from Sharing Our Journey Newsletter 2nd Quarter 2012 | Volume 10, Issue 3