Volunteers of America Opens Innovative Housing for Seniors with Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Illness
Media Contact
David Burch, Volunteers of America
Office: (703) 341-5054
dburch@voa.org
ARLINGTON, Va. (February 15, 2012) – Mary Marshall Assisted Living Residence, an innovative community-based facility for seniors with intellectual disabilities and mental illness, recently opened its doors to serve this growing and traditionally underserved group. The facility is owned and operated by Volunteers of America, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of affordable housing for seniors and those with disabilities.
The 52-unit licensed assisted living facility in Arlington, Virginia near Washington, DC provides homes for low-income people age 55 and older with cognitive, mental health and other special needs who require assistance with activities of daily living. As assisted living programs have been more successful in allowing people with intellectual disabilities to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, these people are also living longer. As they reach old age, they face both their existing disabilities and new issues, such as limited mobility and vision, that come with aging.
“We know smaller, community-based settings are the best places for people with intellectual disabilities and people with mental illness to receive the care they need,” said Volunteers of America National President Mike King. “Mary Marshall is one of the first facilities of its kind in the United States, and we hope it will become a model of care for the growing number of seniors living with these kinds of disabilities.”
The first residents moved in to the facility in November 2011 following a two year renovation and expansion of an existing building. The $8.2 million renovation was a partnership between Volunteers of America and the Arlington County Department of Human Services. The facility meets LEED certified requirements. Additional renovations included expansion of the existing kitchen and common areas such as a library/computer room, community lounges and a wellness center.
Residents are referred to Mary Marshall Assisted Living Residence by the Arlington County Department of Human Services from its current client population. Volunteers of America is a national leader in providing care and housing for both seniors and those with disabilities. The organization is one of the largest nonprofit providers in the United States of affordable senior housing, skilled nursing care and assisted living for seniors.
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About Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, those recovering from addictions and many others. Through hundreds of human service programs, including housing and health care, Volunteers of America helps more than 2 million people in over 400 communities. We offer a variety of services for older Americans, in particular, that allow them to maintain their independence and quality of life – everything from an occasional helping hand to full-time care. Our work touches the mind, body, heart and ultimately the spirit of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services.
