Submitted: NORTHFIELD, MN (April 3, 2014)
Laura Baker Services Association broke ground for two new cottages on its campus in Northfield today. About 100 friends, donors, and supporters of LBSA dodged raindrops to celebrate this milestone for the venerable organization that has served
individuals with disabilities for over 100 years.
Construction begins on the buildings next week. The cottages will provide homes for adults with developmental disabilities, who now live in a dormitory-style building on the neighborhood campus.
Speakers at the event included Northfield Mayor Dana Graham, LBSA Board President Frank Grazzini, Capital Campaign Chair and Board member Charlie Sewich, Chris Kennelly, head of Northfield Construction, which handles the building project and Aaron Evenson, Architect at Power Engineering.
LBSA Executive Director Sandi Gerdes spoke about the long process to get the cottages approved, at a time when public policy is shifting towards independent housing for people with developmental disabilities, and threatens to reduce options for high-need individuals who can be better served through community-based, congregate settings like Laura Baker’s campus.
“This campus is seen by many as an ‘institution,’ in all its pejorative meanings,” Gerdes said. “To be ‘institutionalized’ is to be shut away, isolated, unwanted, and misunderstood. We reject that. Our institution embraces community, integrates neighbors, fosters individual hopes and dreams.
“Our mission is to support people with developmental disabilities to live the lives THEY choose, and to help them reach their goals. That means, regardless of where people live, we work to both create community and invite community participation, and that individuals get to make meaningful choices about their own lives.
“We also believe that ONE SIZE, ONE SOLUTION, doesn’t fit all,” Gerdes continued. “That means providing a wide variety of options – in housing, and activities, and services – to give each individual the support they need.
“The people we support have a full spectrum of needs, and we provide a full spectrum of support. Our campus is one end of that spectrum, for the most vulnerable among us. These new buildings will be their home, for as long as they need and want it to be.
“At Laura Baker, we are privileged to be surrounded by a village that both holds us, and holds us accountable. This project, would not be possible without this village. We’re grateful for the commitment and investment of so many people across the community, in Northfield and beyond.”
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