Disability Advocates of Kent County announces campaign to move headquarters and create region’s first accessibility showroom
Demand for services and opportunity for collaborative space leads organization to launch first public fundraising effort in organization’s 40-year history
(GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan) – Disability Advocates of Kent County, the region’s leading voice for persons with disabilities, today announced the Building Opportunities, Creating Independence campaign, a $2.5 million fundraising effort to move their headquarters to the new Special Olympics campus in Byron Township. The effort was announced at a special public campaign launch event at the future headquarters, 160 68th Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548.
Launched earlier this year, the Building Opportunities, Creating Independence campaign has raised more than $1.75m over the last several months, thanks to lead gifts from area business and community leaders such as:
- Kate and Richard Wolters Foundation
- Meijer Foundation
- Mike and Sue Jandernoa Foundation
- Wege Foundation
- John and Nancy Kennedy Family Foundation
- Frey Foundation
- Dr. Kimberly Y. Barrington
The public campaign, a first in 40 years for Disability Advocates, aims to raise another $750,000 to help cover construction and campaign costs, new programming, and the organization’s Home Accessibility Center program.
Currently under construction, the new headquarters will cover 8,600 SF, with a move-in date anticipated for April 2022. The organization has allocated 40% of its construction budget on engaging with local minority-owned contractors, which, to date, includes DHE Plumbing, Monte Christo Electric, and Grand Rapids Fire Suppression. Wolverine Building Group serves as the general contractor and Mathison| Mathison Architects is the architect.
“Wolverine Building Group is honored to lead the build-out of Disability Advocates of Kent County’s new headquarters and occupational therapy showroom,” said Curt Mulder, President, Wolverine Building Group. “For 40 years, the staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to serve persons living with disabilities. They all deserve a world-class space, so we are eager to showcase our craft and provide them with a new environment that they can be proud of.”
Disability Advocates will be one of nine disability organizations occupying the former South Christian High School, which is currently being transformed into the largest Special Olympics training and inclusion center in the world. The new facility provides significantly more space for Special Olympics and Disability Advocates program staff, volunteers, and disabled clients. The new space will also allow the organization to build the area’s first Occupational Therapy (OT) home accessibility center.
The Home Accessibility Center will be a place where people with disabilities explore ways to renovate and retrofit their homes so they can be more independent. It will serve as a “test space” showroom where persons with disabilities, their families, health care, and design professionals, and building contractors can explore options for a safer home, including models and adaptive equipment, something that is not offered anywhere in the region.
“The Home Accessibility Center is a response to a demonstrated need,” said Peggy Helsel, Development Director for Disability Advocates. “Often people ask, ‘what does that mean? when we talk about universal design and the home, we are giving people a real-life model home to experience what a universally-accessible space can look like.”
At the public announcement of the fund drive, co-chairs Cameron Young of Behler-Young and Angela Nelson of Experience Grand Rapids, invited the public to join in the fundraising effort which will continue through the end of the year.
“The invitation to join the Special Olympics at this new campus was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” said Cameron Young. “As we work to help those with disabilities, I am pleased to be part of an effort that truly gives local residents a strong support network in a space where we can continue to build partnerships with like-minded organizations.” he said.
“Demand for our programs is increasing,” said Angela Nelson, “And we know we can serve more people in this new space as West Michigan grows.”
David Bulkowski, Executive Director of Disability Advocates expressed his gratitude for the local and regional foundations, area businesses and generous community donors. “We have been so fortunate to receive gifts to this important campaign,” said Bulkowski. “Our Campaign Cabinet joins me in thanking the community for their meaningful gifts. We now invite the broader community to help us complete this campaign effort. We welcome gifts of all sizes.”
Interested donors can support the campaign by visiting https://www.dakc.us/donate/
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About Disability Advocates of Kent County
Disability Advocates of Kent County was founded in 1981 by persons with disabilities who sought to help themselves and others with disabilities gain control over their own lives. We strive to eliminate systemic barriers and enhance programs so that people with disabilities can live the self-directed life they choose. Our community benefits by becoming more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for all. We have become recognized locally and across the state, specifically for our home accessibility services, transit advocacy, community education, technical assistance on accessibility, and Universal Design through our Absolutely Accessible Kent program.
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