At the heart of DePaul Community Resources is the belief that new things are possible when you belong. In that spirit, DePaul opened a new OPTIONS (Opening People to Individual Opportunities in a Network of Support) Day Support Center at the main Roanoke office located on Hollins Road. Notably, the catalyst for the renovation was a matching challenge grant by Melina Perdue and Tom McDonald in 2018 which generated several other major gifts. As a result, the project was almost entirely funded by your support as donors, grantors, and partners.
DePaul previously operated the day support program at another location in Roanoke; however, the old space was not ideal for the adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Its cramped quarters, aging appearance, and tiny concrete backyard did not embody the level of respect and dignity that our participants deserve. What the previous center lacked in adequate outdoor space and room for expansion, the new location makes up for in accessibility features (like wider doorways and a drive-under canopy for safe drop-off), modern amenities (media room and interactive classroom space), and access to ample greenery (perfect for exercise, gardening, and picnicking).
“The new OPTIONS Day Support is a well-deserved center that gives our individuals the opportunity to grow, learn, and make relationships in an atmosphere that is warm, welcoming, and inviting.” — Amanda DesMarais, Day Support Coordinator.
It is clients like Darrell and Sarah, who have been coming to OPTIONS for years, who make the day support center feel like a home away from home. Starting fresh in this new space is simply giving them the best possible environment to be themselves and make friends, both at OPTIONS and in the community.
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