Emmaus Homes today unveiled plans for the second phase of the largest expansion in the history of the not-for-profit organization, based in St. Charles, Mo. Emmaus Homes provides 24-hour residential care and other services to more than 250 adults with developmental disabilities. Emmaus has nearly 50 community homes throughout St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, and Warren Counties and St. Louis City, along with two campuses, in St. Charles, Mo and Marthasville, Mo. The number of community homes will increase to more than 60 by the end of 2014. “This is an exciting day for Emmaus Homes and the families we serve,” said Cindy Clark, President & CEO of Emmaus Homes. “This expansion enhances our ability to further the mission of Emmaus and to provide additional choices for our clients. More than 90 percent of our new clients would like to live in the community and this expansion allows us to help them move to one of our homes.” Emmaus Homes is one of the state’s largest private providers of 24-hour residential services to adults with developmental disabilities and is a United Way organization. Emmaus has more than 500 employees and has already started hiring for the expansion which will add another 100 employees. The new full-time and part-time staff will support the daily activities of Emmaus clients, helping them live as independently as possible. “Emmaus Homes' expansion in our community and the surrounding area represents a significant investment not only in terms of economic development but also on a personal level for their residents. Imagine the excitement and pride these residents will experience when they move into their new home," said Washington, Mo Mayor Sandy Lucy. "We appreciate the investment being made by Emmaus and welcome them to Washington." Through outside investors, grants and fundraising, Emmaus will add 10 new homes for clients through either new construction or by purchasing existing homes. Clients will begin moving in later this month. “The economic impact of a new community home is nearly $2 Million over a 5 year period,” said Jeff Raines, Chief Strategy Officer for Emmaus. “This can be measured through the purchase or construction of a new home, staff wages and the purchasing power our clients bring to the neighborhood they live in.” “I’m excited to move into my new home,” said Tricia Hucke, Emmaus client. “This is a great day.”