3/27/2010 8:48:00 AM Mosaic to build two additional homes in Norfolk Growth will add 40 jobs to local economy
Special to the Daily News
Mosaic will open two homes in Norfolk late this year to serve 12 people with intellectual disabilities. The homes will be built on South 18th Street, a site selected because of easy access to community activities and resources.
The two homes, scheduled to open in November, are among 11 new homes Mosaic is opening across Nebraska to serve 66 people who currently are residents of the Beatrice State Developmental Center, which is operated by the State of Nebraska.
The homes are part of the state's efforts to reduce the number of residents at developmental center. Other Mosaic homes are opening in Omaha, Papillion, York and Grand Island.
"These homes will give people the opportunity to live near family and friends, and be part of a larger community," said Tammy Westfall, Mosaic vice president for the Nebraska region.
The homes will feature individual bedrooms and bathrooms for each of the six residents along with shared common areas. One of the homes will be licensed as an intermediate care facility, with a therapy room and spa, along with 24-hour nursing to serve people with medical needs. Both homes will promote independent living and community involvement for the residents. The homes each have more than 5,000 square feet.
Mosaic currently serves 53 people in Norfolk through residential and other support services, and has 55 employees. With the growth, Mosaic will add about 40 new full- and part-time employees in Norfolk.
The economic impact of the new residents and jobs will be more than $4 million annually for the city, it is estimated.
The Norfolk program is part of Mosaic's Northeast Nebraska agency, which also includes Columbus and Fremont.
Mosaic is a non-profit organization serving people with intellectual disabilities through support custom-tailored to their needs and desires. Services are provided in collaboration with local, state, national, and international partners in 13 states and six countries.
