Thanks to donor generosity, $200,000 was invested in Phase 1 and adaptive renovations were completed at six Erie homes.
That progress matters, but it does not elminate the need. Many homes still require substanial updates, and Phase 2 depends on continued donor support to keep this work moving forward.
At Barber National Institute, we are guided by compassion, innovation, and an unshakeable belief in human potential. This belief guides our work in 93 community homes where adults with intellectual disabilities and autism are connected to their neighborhoods, routines, relationships, and independence.
As they age and their needs change, that commitment means making sure their homes can continue to support them safely and comfortably for years to come.
Last year we launched Phase 1 of our Strengthening Foundations: Home Renovation Campaign, a multi-phase effort to improve accessibility, safety, and long-term livability across our community homes. Many of these homes are more than 25 years old, and many residents are aging, often with increasingly complex medical or mobility needs. Renovations include projects such as accessible bathrooms and kitchens, widened doorways, lift systems, flooring improvements, and other adaptations that allow individuals to remain in their home.
With an initial $200,000 in donor support, we completed renovations at six homes in Erie. That progress matters but it does not eliminate the need.
Many homes still require substantial updates and Phase 2 depends on continued donor support to keep this work moving forward. The reality is that public funding falls short of what is needed. State and federal funding help us operate, but it does not cover the long-term capital improvements required to maintain and adapt our homes. That's why this work happens in phases.
Whether you are giving for the first time or renewing your commitment to our mission in Phase 2 of this campaign, you are helping continue work that is already underway and proven to matter.
Among the many causes you could support, few offer the lasting impact of ensuring someone’s home remains a safe and stable place to thrive.
On Erie Gives Day, August 11, your support helps ensure these homes continue to meet the needs of the people who rely on them—today and in the years ahead.
Fast Facts - 2025-Present
Your gift to Phase 2 of the $1M Strengthening Foundations campaign will enable us to complete essential renovations that directly impact health and safety:
These modifications are the key to helping adults maintain their independence and age in place.
This $1M project is an enormous financial burden and we can't do it alone. Please consider making a gift today to help us strengthen these foundations. Every contribution – no matter the size- can make an immediate difference. Your generosity can help ensure adults remain in the place they call home, surrounded by the people who love and care for them.
Donations can be made safely and securely online or you may contact Edward Ahart, Barber National Institute chief advancement officer at 1-609-457-3166 to learn more.
Together, we can build a future where every resident has a safe, supportive place to call home. Thank you for making dreams come true, one home at a time.
