Posted: 1/4/05
Board approves ëneeds assessmentí for ABC
Houston County commissioners approved a needs determination for Ability Building Center (ABC) Worksí new facility in La Crescent on December 28.
ABC Works serve adults with disabilities as part of a day training and habilitation program.
The form, officially called ìDay Training and Habilitation Application for Need Determination of Services,î will now be sent to the Minnesota Department of Human Servicesí Disability Services division.
If approved, it will increase the license capacity for clients at ABC in La Crescent from 35 to 60.
ABC tripled the size of its building at 62 North Third Street in La Crescent this year at a cost more than $350,000. That change had several advantages, including eliminating the need to transport workers from La Crescent to Caledonia to work.
It also gave more room for specialized programming, and provides more job opportunities in the La Crosse area and services for the aging.
Steve Hill, executive director of ABC, told the board that ABC didnít find out it needed a needs assessment until recently. The new building is in use, he added, but it canít serve new clients until the form is sent in and approved by state officials.
Second district commissioner Kevin Kelleher said it was ridiculous that the state was getting involved in the process, since nothing has changed with the work of ABC.
ìWe need them to interfere with our process like we need a hole in the head,î he said.
Hill said the community has shown ìwonderful supportî for the new facility. About half of the debt is already paid off, he said. ìOur goal will be to pay it off as quickly as possible so we can continue serving folks,î he said.
An open house at the new facility is set for January 27.
ABC Works also operates Woodland Industries as a separate program in Caledonia. Woodland is an extended employment program for adults with disabilities.
Caledonia Argus
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