Concept group home unveiled at Community Haven

Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities, Inc., a 62-year-old nonprofit that helps meet the needs of those with disabilities, has opened Marlene's House, the fifth group home on its 32-acre campus recently completed by Halfacre Construction Company.

Residents have moved into the 4,800-square-foot house, a new concept in group home living and the only one of its kind in Florida. Located at 4405 DeSoto Road in Sarasota, Marlene’s House is a unique, family-style setting with co-ed living quarters and a single-room configuration for eight adults with a house parent.

Halfacre Construction Company served as the contractor on the $750,000 project, which was completed in six months. This is the construction company’s third project for Community Haven.

“Halfacre Construction Company was honored to be a part of this wonderful community project,” said Jack Cox, president of Lakewood Ranch-based construction company that donated generously contributed $20,000 to build and complete the new building. “Marlene’s House allows developmentally disabled adults to live independently, and it provides parents peace of mind knowing that their children will be taken care of in a loving, caring environment.”

A grand opening celebration was held Friday, March 11. U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan’s wife, Sandy Buchanan, and son, Matt Buchanan, were in attendance along with the residents, their parents and donors, including Halfacre Construction Company and the Fry Family Foundation.

"We give a lot of money all over the country, but what makes this place stand out are the smiles we see every time we visit," said Darryl Fry, founder of the Fry Family Foundation, a private foundation that donated $440,000 for the project.

Marlene’s House features a full-time staff, great room, five bathrooms, dining room, large kitchen, staff room and a patio overlooking the grounds and running track on the Community Haven campus. A single room model is provided for each of its residents. Interior design, colors, and furniture were chosen by each of the residents and their families to make their individual rooms a special place to call their own. For more information, visit www.CommunityHaven.org.

About Halfacre Construction Company

As the area's oldest, most established, locally-owned and operated private commercial construction company, Halfacre’s foundational strengths stand as evidence that its commercial and industrial construction projects will be delivered on time, within budget, with the utmost integrity and with the expertise and financial strength needed for success. President Jack Cox serves as president of the Suncoast Charities for Children and is an appointed member of the Probable Cause Panel of the Construction Industry Licensing Board for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Halfacre Construction also offers its expertise as a green building provider with the resources available to build viable, effective alternatives to reduce energy consumption and preserve natural resources. Staff includes U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) certified professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in green building practices and who possess a thorough grasp of the LEED Green Building Rating System. For more information, please visit www.HalfacreConstruction.com.

About Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities, Inc.

Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities, Inc. empowers independence and inclusion in all aspects of society for children and adults with disabilities. Their programs include: The Selby Preschool, High School Transitions, Community Employment Services, Community Living, The McKay High School, Adult Day Training, and Haven Industries. Over 300 individuals are served daily on their campus.