The Mary Campbell Center ANNOUNCES the Groundbreaking for $7.35 Million Renovation & Expansion

Wilmington, DE: After much anticipation, collaboration, and planning, The Mary Campbell Center (MCC) is proud to announce the groundbreaking of a $7.35 Resident room renovation and EZee Street addition project. The ceremony took place Tuesday, October 29, 2024 on its campus in North Wilmington.

The project includes the first major renovation of resident rooms since The Center’s founding in 1976, and construction of a one-story 4-room residential pod and nurse’s station.

“This is truly transformational for The Center,” said Executive Director Kathy Ardekani. “While some resident rooms have been renovated, the majority (42) have not been fully overhauled since our building opened.”  The room renovations will include new flooring, cabinetry, furnishings, lighting, HVAC, insulation, and medical equipment to improve resident comfort and safety; communication equipment and entertainment systems will also be upgraded. The new addition will house a thriving short-term respite care program, and with its independent HVAC system and fully equipped medical components, can be converted to an isolation wing in the event of a protracted infection outbreak.

These improvements have been made possible through the generosity of multiple donors. Significant support—$6.4 million—was granted by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), federal funding in partnership with the State of Delaware. Leadership gifts from Homes for Life and the MCC Foundation lifted the project to its final goal.

Delaware Department of Human Resources Secretary Claire DeMatteis, who served as special assistant to Governor Carney in charge of ARPA funds, joined the groundbreaking celebration and shared her feedback. “The Mary Campbell Center has a spectacular story and location. This innovative renovation provides a positive impact on people’s lives and allows The Center to be better prepared for the future.”

Since its founding, The Mary Campbell Center has represented a progressive way of supporting those in the disability community, creating a home-like setting and providing support and programs that allowed Residents with physical and intellectual disabilities to live their best lives. “These projects are an investment in our future,” stated Board Chair Pat Dunn, “allowing us to continue to innovate and meet our mission to Discover, Grow, and Celebrate Abilities.”