Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled to expand in Pulaski, Lonoke counties

One of the largest organizations focused on developmentally disabled Arkansans is getting larger, with a multi-million-dollar expansion into two counties. The mission of Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled is to help adults and kids live as independently as possible and a few new additions will help them meet that goal. Just over a year ago, AEDD launched a nearly $10 million capital campaign to fund moves into Pulaski and Lonoke counties. Right now, they’re at $6 million with the rest of the funding coming from grants by the summer.

By: Caitrin Assaf
KARK

One of the largest organizations focused on developmentally disabled Arkansans is getting larger, with a multi-million-dollar expansion into two counties.

The mission of Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled is to help adults and kids live as independently as possible and a few new additions will help them meet that goal.

Just over a year ago, AEDD launched a nearly $10 million capital campaign to fund moves into Pulaski and Lonoke counties. Right now, they’re at $6 million with the rest of the funding coming from grants by the summer.

The plan is to add three new non-congregate homes in Argenta and Cabot, two properties in Maumelle, and a new workforce training center in Lonoke County.

Director of Development Debbie Grooms said this is all to make sure the people they help don’t just live in a great community, but become part of it.

“Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to improve the quality of their lives,” Grooms said. “And so to do that, we want to make sure they’re integrated into the community; they don’t just stay home, they actually get out, work, live in the community, and enjoy all the things that we all enjoy as well.”

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