On Sept. 17, Midland hosted a Grand Re-Opening Celebration for its on-campus Patricia Work Center.
On Sept. 17, Midland hosted a Grand Re-Opening Celebration for its on-campus Patricia Work Center — a place that has been central to the program’s mission of providing employment services since it opened in 1993.
Thanks to Community Development Block Grant funding through Somerset County and a major gift from the Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust, the Work Center has undergone a total transformation.
“The need to renovate the Work Center has been a long-standing concern for Midland,” says Midland’s President & CEO, Mr. Shawn M. McInerney. “One of the primary impediments of our programs has been the absence of adequate bathrooms and the need to improve overall accessibility within the building. As the Work Center has evolved and continues to serve individuals with significant disabilities, the need for these renovations and to address accessibility has become further amplified.”
The design and construction of this project resulted in a more functional, accessible, and welcoming space for all. The new and improved Work Center now features a larger health office with a private bathroom; additional ADA-compliant bathrooms; a new break room; extra office spaces, energy-efficient windows and LED lighting; and upgraded flooring throughout. The result is a sleek, modern space ready to take Midland into the next decade and beyond.
Funders and contractors involved with the program who got to see the finished and functioning work at the Grand Re-Opening event had overwhelmingly positive reactions to the newly designed facility. “Midland deeply thanks everyone who made this dream come true for Midland,” says Midland Board Chair, Mr. John Tegeler.
The Midland team, project funders, community partners and contractors pose for a photo before the Grand Re-Opening ceremonial ribbon cutting. (TYLER LEE BROWN)
About Midland Employment Services: A Day Program Focused on Employment Training and Work Opportunities for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
At Midland, our goal is to help the adults that we serve reach their highest level of achievement and become contributing members of their communities. Through Midland Employment, we offer adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the training they need to develop skills necessary for the workplace. We also offer businesses and organizations the opportunity to partner with us for their packaging, assembly and shipping needs. Please contact Midland’s Director of Employment Services at Liberatore@midlandnj.org to learn more.