CRi Announces Grand Opening of New Home in Manassas, VA!

We couldn't be happier to announce a new home in Manassas, Virginia! This state-of-the-art home caters to six adults with developmental disabilities and has been thoughtfully designed to offer a comfortable, accessible, and secure living environment.

The grand opening ceremony took place at Oak Street on Wednesday, May 24, in Manassas, and, now that all permitting is complete, residents will begin to move into the home in the next couple of weeks. 

The event saw a significant turnout from local stakeholders, council members, and other community members, and featured speeches from Lisa Madron, Executive Director of PWC Community Services, and William E. Curtis, Assistant Director of the Department of Housing & Community Development.

“Understanding the importance of self-determination and the right of all people to choose and determine their own goals, CRi has demonstrated their continual commitment to providing care and resources needed for individuals to live full and meaningful lives and empower individuals in their life decisions," said Lisa Madron, Executive Director, PW Community Services. “This home is just another example of where CRi finds positive ways to meet the needs of those they serve by transforming how people with DD live, work and play.”

Madron further expressed gratitude for the partnership and collaborations with CRi over the years, acknowledging their dedication to putting their beliefs into practice. She believed that this new home was yet another testament to CRi's progress and dedication to fulfilling the desires of the individuals they serve, ensuring they can safely and actively age in a home environment.

This new home is a single-level, 3,285 square foot property, boasting six bedrooms, a living room, screened-in porch, gardening deck, and fully accessible kitchen. Its thoughtful design ensures complete accessibility and provides a comfortable and safe living space for its residents. The property replaces an older home at the front of the lot that no longer met the physical needs of its inhabitants. The older home is to be demolished after residents have been fully relocated to the new home.

"We are thrilled to have opened this new home and to be able to provide this environment for people with developmental disabilities," said CRi President & CEO Justin Zakia. “The Oak Street home has been designed to meet unique needs and to provide a safe and comfortable living environment where people can thrive as they age. Aging in place is such a critical part of life, and we are happy to be able to provide this type of support where and when it's needed most."

Paula Bruggeman, a longstanding stakeholder, friend, and new Board Member, expressed her excitement for this milestone in their mission to invest in more accessible and supportive housing. She believed that such housing enables individuals to continue living lives filled with dignity and purpose.

CRi's dedication lies in providing personalized resources to youth and adults with mental health needs and developmental disabilities. Their comprehensive support services are offered in CRi’s homes and apartments, as well as through community programming. Last year alone, CRi supported nearly 1,000 at-risk youth, women, and men with mental health needs and/or developmental disabilities, as well as those who are or might become homeless.

Established as a 501(c)(3) organization in Arlington in 1975, CRi now extends its services to communities throughout Northern Virginia, Greater Richmond, Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.mycri.org.