The Courier of Montgomery County reports that celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2025, the Willis-based nonprofit community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, New Danville, is looking to enlarge their facilities in order to allow more affordable housing to residents in the future, along with a community and recreational center, additional classroom space and assisted living services. They have both residential and day programs.
The population of the city of Willis has exploded in the past several years, according to the President and CEO of New Danville, Mike Painter. He also says, with the great increase comes “an explosion of folks that have disabilities.”
The facility at present houses 36 residents with a waiting list of over 80. Situated on a 42 acre Ranch, the Meadowbrook Community is on Shephard Hill Road. He believes the residential section will grow again, and they have enough land room to do it.
Vision 2025, their expansion project, is divided into three phases.
Phase one will bring on 15 new homes which provides housing for another 35 residents. When construction is over, the homes will allow for around 90 residents.
The construction of a community and recreation center is included in Phase two. The finished project will offer room for dining, social and fitness areas for the residents and clients.
Phase three allows space for six men and six women in an assisted living facility. A country-style non-denominational church, additional classroom space and a social hall is also planned for.
Painter said, construction for the residential homes will be underway for 18 months. Construction on other projects depends on community member funding. He said before working on funding for other projects, they plan to wait until phase one is complete.
