VFI Waiting for 'Missing Part'

By Lois Thompson

The completion of the new VFI/TRPIL facility in Washington, Pa., is contingent on one part: the HVAC unit. Unfortunately that part is not available, so finalization of the construction is temporarily on hold. As a result, according to Steve Johnson, "We're optimistic that we're looking at late April, in terms of a grand opening."

Johnson is director of marketing for Voices For Independence (VFI) in Erie and Transitional Paths to Independent Living (TRPIL) in Washington, Pa., and he further explained, "It's all contingent on the finalization of the HVAC unit, which I believe is due to a supply chain issue, but we've been able to work with the contractors – Building Systems, Inc. – to get essentially everything else done in the meantime."

The facility is TRPIL's new program and community center at 42 West Maiden St., which will provide an expansion of the services offered at the previous site on Beau St. TRPIL and VFI serve the community as Centers for Independent Living, assisting with information, referrals, skills training, support, and transition services, among others.

Once completed, the new center will also offer accessible areas where consumers can receive help in learning how to adapt to independent living – for example, an accessible training kitchen. Johnson said, "We've been able to secure all the appliances to be installed, and the kitchen will allow both caregivers and consumers to learn cooking skills in a setting they can incorporate at home."

An assistive technology area will allow consumers to use the internet and familiarize themselves with technology they may not have at home, with staff who are familiar with assistive technology on hand to provide guidance.

Still currently at the Beau St. facility is the fully accessible wellness center, but Johnson said that will be relocated when everything is finished. "We didn't want to take that away from anyone while this construction was going on. So our fitness and wellness staff are still working out of that building to provide one-on-one workouts, and training and nutrition sessions."

Johnson said all of these services are available at the VFI facility in Erie, and added, "This is the kind of relationship that we hope to cultivate in Washington – one where consumers can visit frequently, enjoy the services and amenities on a regular basis, and grow as individuals – whether through learned skills, gained independence, or growth within social circles and the community.

"Once we're able to finally open to the public, the fruits of our labor will truly be recognized, and that's what this is all about – to provide a new avenue for consumers and caregivers alike to come in and utilize our facility for whatever they might need."

For more information, call 724-223-5115 or visit vficil.org