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Otsego County non-profit completes multi-million dollar renovation project

By Hilary Lane

Story Created: Sep 20, 2012 at 5:58 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 20, 2012 at 5:58 PM EDT

ONEONTA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Springbrook, a non-profit organization that serves those with developmental disabilities, has completed a $22.5 million renovation.

Among the upgrades, a new gym, cafeteria and classrooms.

The improvements are all in an effort to have more space, better facilities, and improved services for the community.

"It's all accessible. It's safe, it's beautiful, it's open. It's there and it will meet their needs," said Patricia Kennedy, Springbrook CEO.

The organization also added brand new housing to accomodates 24 more out-of state students for their residential program. Students with autism are supervised 24/7 and special recreational and educational programs are suited specifically for their needs.

" I think if you have a disability and you have an environment that's tough to work in, it makes disabilities even more severe," said Kennedy. "So this environment allows them to achieve the most independence they possibly can and we have given them many choices as well."

The renovations were funded by grants and donations. The entire project created 120 new jobs in the Oneonta area.

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