Challenge Unlimited Breaks Ground on New Accessible Addition at Edwardsville Group Home

Edwardsville, Illinois (July 1, 2024) – Challenge Unlimited is excited to announce the groundbreaking of a new accessible room addition at their Residential Options Community Mental Health home in Edwardsville, Illinois. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 12, 2024, at the Edwardsville Group Home, attended by key members of the organization and partners from Berco Construction.

Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion 

“This expansion is a significant benefit to the residents,” said Charlotte Hammond, CEO of Challenge Unlimited. “It is our mission to provide quality accessible options for individuals with disabilities to live, work, and participate in their community. We are grateful to the State of Illinois for their support and investment in our community living program.” 

New Additions and Benefits 

Diane Tebbe, Vice President of Residential Options, added, “The new addition will enhance the living experience for our residents. With this expansion, we can offer a more accommodating and inclusive environment. The expansion, made possible by a $250,000 grant from the State of Illinois, will add 1,120 square feet of accessible space to the home, including two bedrooms, an accessible bathroom, a private med room, and a large dining and kitchen area. This creates accessible space for two residents and a place to cook and gather for meals around a shared table.” 

Community and State Collaboration 

Tom Morrissey, Chair of the Board of Directors, commented, “This project represents the collaborative efforts of our dedicated team, community partners, and state support. We are thrilled to see it come to fruition and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our residents’ lives.” 

Frank Wiseman from Berco Construction expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are honored to be part of this project, which will provide crucial improvements and opportunities for the residents. Working with Challenge Unlimited has been a rewarding experience, and we are excited to see the results of this collaboration.” 

Completion and Future Plans 

The room addition is expected to be completed by August 31st, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for September. For more information about the project or the Residential Options program through Challenge Unlimited, please contact Vice President Diane Tebbe at [email protected].