Cultivating community
New
Apple Patch homes
considered models for the nation
Project
is inclusive community
is for adults with disabilities
By
Helen E. McKinney
Contributing Writer
BROWNSBORO, Ky. (February 2008) – Apple Patch
has been a staple in Oldham County for almost 20 years. The facility
keeps expanding, and its latest unveiling will be an inclusive community
known as Celebration Park.
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Photo
provided The
newest Apple Patch |
The residents of Apple Patch are adults with intellectual
and developmental disabilities. A new community has been developed on
49 adjoining acres that will contain 76 single-family homes and 42 condominiums.
Apple Patch owns 10 single-family homes and six condominiums in an area
known as Celebration Park.
Donna Bayers, events and volunteer coordinator, said the residents will
now “have a place to live independently.” She said she hopes
Apple Patch residents will build relationships with their neighbors
who will become a “natural support for them.”
Bayers said Celebration Park is the first of its kind in the nation;
a model concept for future similar communities. “Apple Patch is
such a happy place,” said Bayers, who has a brother with special
needs.
An open house and ribbon-cutting event was held Jan. 26 at Apple Patch.
The 49 acres were originally donated to Apple Patch, which sold 20 acres
to Jordan River Development. Apple Patch bought back the lots on which
the 10 homes and six condominiums are built, said Joe Spoelker, Director
of Development. Funding to build the homes came in the form of the Kentucky
Housing Corp.
There will be lots of greenspace and walking trails at Celebration Park,
said Bayers. Homes are grouped in twos on a circular drive so that they
are not isolated from one another.
There are three people living in each of the four out of 10 homes that
are now occupied in Celebration Park. Each individual has his or her
own bedroom and bathroom.
Spoelker said there are 38 residents living in the Apple Patch community;
12 live in four of the single-family homes, three in the original group
home and the others in rented housing nearby.
“This is typically a segment of the population that gets hand-me-downs,”
Bayers said. This is a way to give them something brand new that they
can call their own. “Residents work to pay for their resources
and volunteer in the community.”
Kim Buckler, director of Oldham County Tourism, recently toured the
site seeking ways to bring about an awareness of Apple Patch within
and outside of the county. “What a great way to acclimate residents
of Apple Patch to the community and let the community see what tremendous
programs are going on there-literally right in their own backyards,”
said Buckler.
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Photo provided Residents
of Apple |
Celebration Park will be an “inclusive community
to live in with friends and family members nearby who do not have disabilities,”
said Bayers. Also close by is the chapel, which Bayers hopes will be
the “center hub for the community.”
The chapel was built for the entire community to use. The 80-person
capacity chapel is available for weddings and memorials, and has an
accompanying covered gazebo.
Apple Patch is currently leasing 3 1/2 acres and the former spa at Foxhollow
Farms. Known as APEX, the 8,000-square-foot facility contains a library
and therapy center. The Oldham County Public Library is partnering with
Apple Patch to provide books and programming.
Offered on site are programs teaching art, music therapy, horticulture,
technology, recreation and a culinary program. In the latter course,
participants prepare and serve a meal every Friday. The public is invited
to these lunches to experience what Apple Patch has to offer.
APEX is available for outdoor weddings, corporate retreats and reunions.
Buckler said she receives many requests for small wedding locations,
business meetings and reunions. Both APEX and the chapel “are great
options for those requests,” said Buckler, who has included the
Apple Patch facilities on her new tourism website.
“The community has been incredibly supportive,” said Spoelker.
Apple Patch has decided to hold a fundraiser, Midwest Margaritaville,
on March 8. Money raised will go toward general operating expenses,
he said.
“We’re bringing the fun of the Keys to Louisville,” said
Bayers. The fundraiser will be held at the Mellwood Arts and Entertainment
Center, located on Mellwood Drive in Louisville. Tickets are $100 per
person for this casual-attire event.
Also included in the evening will be silent and live auctions and dinner.
The Conch Republic will perform Jimmy Buffett-style tunes.
Patrons wanting to attend only the party part of the Island-themed fundraiser
from 9 p.m. until midnight can purchase tickets for $25, said Bayers.
Apple Patch would love to have volunteers, especially for a new program,
Apple Patch Pals. Best Buddies is a similar international program begun
by Maria Shriver. “There is not a local chapter in Kentucky,”
Bayers said, who would like to see one for Apple Patch residents.
“I really believe that if more residents and business owners could
see with their own eyes what goes on at Apple Patch, they couldn’t
help but be supportive,” said Buckler.
• To purchase fundraising tickets or for more information, contact Donna Bayers at (502) 657-0103 or visit: www.applepatch.org.