Autumn Ridge

Vienna – Representative Brandon Phelps was at the Vienna City Park today, September 9th, to announce to more than 30 in attendance, that Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has approved a recommendation by the Il. Department of Healthcare and Family Services (IDHFS) to grant Family Counseling Center, Inc.’s certification to participate in the Supportive Living Program (SLP). Representative Phelps stated “ what this means is that a planned 46 apartment Supportive Living Complex, for individuals 65 years of age and older will be built in Vienna. “It will mean new jobs and needed housing opportunities.” Representative Phelps complemented Family Counseling Center Executive Director Larry Mizell and staff for submitting an excellent application and for doing their homework in making their personal presentation to IDHFS.

Director Mizell thanked Rep. Phelps for his support on this project and recognized that without his assistance, we would not have received this approval. Mizell went on to express thanks to all of those who had assisted in advisory committee’s and for all who wrote letters of support for the project. He stated, “ This has truly been a community effort, from the encouragement of individuals expressing the need for a Supportive Living Facility to the response and support of individuals and organizations in gathering the needed information for the application.”

Mizell announced ‘Autumn Ridge’ as the name of the complex and explained it will be something of which the community will be proud. The goal is to have it completed and ready to occupy in 24 months. Availability will be for private pay individuals as well as individuals qualifying for Medicaid. ‘Autumn Ridge’ will allow seniors citizens to maintain their independence as long as it is safely possible and take part in decision-making. Personal choice, dignity, privacy and individuality will be emphasized. Services that will be offered in the facility are meals, housekeeping, laundry, medication assistance, personal care assistance, social activities, transportation assistance in getting to medical appointments, shopping and having staff available when immediate assistance is needed 24 hours per day. Comfort, safety and peace of mind will be the major components offered by ‘Autumn Ridge’. It is planned to be located in north Vienna, the area known as the “old” Gleaner nursery.

Majority of the funding and loans for the project will to be arranged through the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Southern Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone (SIDEZ) has provided some initial grant funds, which helped cover the cost of the initial requirements of the application process.