LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For 144 years, Home of the Innocents in Louisville has cared for the most vulnerable in our community. But its needs continue to grow.
Now, a renovation project is underway that will not only help the home with the most medically complex cases but also the growing number of teenagers in its care.
One of the biggest needs at the Home of the Innocents is more space to provide long-term care for children with complex medical conditions. Those children are sometimes on ventilators or other medical devices and require 24-hour care.
Right, now there are 50 available beds, but they are almost always occupied. The renovations will expand that critical care wing and add 76 new beds, for a total of 126.
"With our solution allowing them to stay with us, we're hoping this will extend the lifeline potential for our residents and provide assurances the child never has to leave," Paul Robinson, president and CEO of Home of the Innocents, said Thursday.
They will also renovate the facility so it feels more like home to the teens who stay there. There are plans to tear down some old playground equipment and make some interior updates to appeal more to the teenage crowd.
The renovations will be welcome but costly. That's why fundraisers like Jude's Jingle tree can help make renovation projects possible in other ways.
"Jude's Jingle Tree is a great way we can provide additional resources and support to the children in our care," Robinson said. "The things like clothes they wear every day, the items they have to use on a daily basis."
Groundbreaking on the new wing is expected to happen later this year, with construction expected to take about two years.
Home of the Innocents can always use donations. CLICK HERE if you'd like to help.
About the Home of the Innocents:
Established in 1880, Home of the Innocents enriches the lives of children and families with hope, health, and happiness. Programs include residential and community-based behavioral health services, therapeutic foster care and adoption services, supportive services for homeless young adults, and long-term care for medically complex or terminally ill children.
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