The New York Foundling, a nonprofit providing social services for people with developmental disabilities, said a group home in Cypress Hills will undergo major renovations, thanks to $500,000 in funding allocated by State Senator Julia Salazar.
Salazar presented the check to the organization on Friday. It will cover upgrades at the row house at 8 Schenck Ct., which will include new safety and security systems, a redesigned communal kitchen and improvements to bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a new HVAC system, according to a press release.
The home serves five residents who receive on-site support to help them live independently, secure employment and access health care and other services. The Foundling’s small-scale residential sites are designed to foster independence through tailored, person-centered care.
New York Foundling Chief Executive Officer Melanie Hartzog commended Salazar for the donation that will ensure that residents live comfortably.
“We are so grateful to State Senator Salazar for securing funding that will make a huge difference in the lives of our residents. These renovations will make this home safer, more comfortable and more beautiful—and our residents deserve nothing less. Working together, we can help people with developmental disabilities reach their full potential,” Hartzog said.
Salazar added that the funding cemented the state’s commitment to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and transforming the level of care they receive.
“When we truly commit to serving the public, we are endeavoring to transform our collective understanding of care," she said. "NY Foundling’s past and ongoing work persists as an enduring model not only of compassion but also the immense therapeutic value of a wholly person-centered approach that considers both the long-term and shifting support needs of developmentally disabled New Yorkers."
