Mosaic Creates Home for Developmentally Disabled - KHGI-TV/KWNB-TV/KHGI-CD-Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings

Mosaic Creates Home for Developmentally Disabled

Residents of a troubled state institution come home, away from the troubles of the Beatrice State Developmental Center. 

Possibly for the first time in their adult lives, six disabled Nebraskans will have a place to call their own. 

"It's going to be their home," Sheila Krolikowski said.

The state contracted with Mosaic to move the mentally retarded into homes like one opening soon in Grand Island. 

Krolikowski, Mosaic's Tri-Cities Director said, "Some of them if they can will do volunteer work, job sites, come home in the evening to their home, help with cooking and cleaning just like we would in our own home."

Tammy Westfall, Mosaic's Regional Vice President for Nebraska said it goes along with the state's goal of moving individuals into home-like settings.

She said, "I think everyone is working to the same goal to have community based opportunities for everyone who has developmental disabilities."

It's a far cry from the institutional care some have known, including residents who will be coming from the Beatrice State Developmental Center, a controversial facility that lost funding in the wake of abuse allegations. 

Emily Webster will be among the employees in the new home. She said, "They're coming from a strange place into a warm environment for them."

Mosaic is building 11 new homes, each with six bedrooms. That includes two in Grand Island, and one in York. Around the clock staff includes nurses, plus being in communities allows for neighborhood outings. 

"I hope they'll like it as much as we do," Krolikowski said.

After being wowed by the home, employees say there's only one question left. 

"When do we move in? There's room for everyone. It's awesome. I'm excited," Cindy Cook said.

The Beatrice center has half the residents it did two years ago, with more moving to programs like this.

This is a nealry $14 million dollar project for Mosaic, so the organization is raising money for expenses the state won't cover. 

Reporter's Notes by Steve White:
Mosaic will be providing services for 66 people who have lived much of their lives at the Beatrice State Developmental Center.

Mosaic's "Framing Dreams" program will cost $13,877,000. After financing and state funding, Mosaic is left with a gap of $3 million to raise from private donations. More information is available at www.mosaicinfo.org/framingdreams/.