The Arc North Florida
Contributor
The Arc North Florida has completed a renovation of its Adult Day Training Center (ADT) kitchen and classrooms, thanks to a generous grant from First Federal Bank.
The 5,325 square foot building on Goldkist Boulevard was built in 1985 and provides training for independent living and social skills to adults diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability. As client population grew post-COVID, more space was required for these services. The administrative offices, previously also housed in the same building, moved to rental space downtown, and the entire building is now dedicated to the ADT services for nearly 50 clients.
The renovation included freshly painted walls and floor repair to create learning stations in each of the rooms: dedicated computer training classroom, library, sensory room, games and puzzles workshop, laundry skills classroom, arts and crafts center, quiet space and exercise area. The antiquated kitchen underwent a complete overhaul, opening the space, adding a spacious pantry for storage, along with all new appliances and countertops, a stainless steel moveable island for food prep, space for banquet tables, as well as a small café corner. Clients are able to learn about nutritional balance and how it relates to them personally, and cooking classes enable them to put their lessons into action by creating healthy and delicious food as part of their expanded independent living skills curriculum.
The Arc North Florida is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1981 to provide advocacy and services throughout Suwannee, Hamilton, Lafayette, Baker and Columbia Counties. In addition to serving 45 individuals in the ADT in Live Oak and another in Macclenny, it operates two group homes in Live Oak and one in Macclenny with a total of 16 residents who receive 24/7 care. As a vital community resource, it relies heavily upon support from local businesses and individuals, grants and fundraisers to supplement federal Medicaid funding.