THE south-west’s biggest early childhood disability program provider has launched a $750,000 public appeal for a proposed $1 million respite and therapy centre.
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Mpower yesterday revealed plans to redevelop a large residential property purchased recently opposite its Koroit Street base, with work expected to start early next year.
The property was bought with $100,000 from the organisation’s patron Geoff Handbury and $140,000 of Mpower reserves.
Another $10,000 from the David Jones Family Foundation will be used to reshape grounds around the house.
Mpower chief executive Kerry Nelson and board chairman David Beggs said the public appeal component would come from foundations and trusts plus general donations.
They said having a dedicated respite and therapy centre opposite the head office would be a perfect arrangement.
“We are sure the community will understand how important these services are for people with disabilities and support a project to provide facilities for those who need special assistance and respite,” Mr Beggs said.
Ms Nelson said it would provide a convenient, comfortable place for respite and a homely and more private venue for counselling and therapy.
“We want to be up and running before the National Disability Insurance Scheme roll-out in June 2016,” she said.
Services to be centred in the new facility are now provided at various venues and private homes plus the main office building.
A youth group service now operating elsewhere will also be relocated to the new premises.
“The shape of the building will be retained, but the interior will be purpose-designed to provide new facilities to meet needs of our clients and to fit government criteria for caring for people overnight and on weekends,” Ms Nelson said.
“It means we will be able to reconfigure our headquarters to extend the conference room and office space to ease overcrowding.”
Mpower started 39 years ago when a group of parents sat around a kitchen table to discuss the lack of support for children with disabilities in rural areas.
It now has approximately 800 clients in five program sections covering five municipalities across the south-west.
Programs also include support aged carers.