For many local families, especially Duane and Connie McAllister and their daughter, Kelly, dreams are coming true in the City of Brookfield. What started as a desire to find a long-term residential solution for their daughter in their local community has become a reality for 24 families with the same dream. Last Thursday, an official groundbreaking ceremony was held for Grace Landing, a St. Coletta of Wisconsin community consisting of three 8-bed state licensed residential facilities. The property, located at 167^th & North Avenue will begin the demolition of an existing structure early next month and the new facility’s construction will take place summer through late fall. The custom homes will be constructed by TriStar Living with Stratford Homes and will serve 24 individuals with disabilities.  Each home will have over 4,500 square feet of living space with individual bedrooms, open concept layouts and provide fully accessible features throughout. Residents will have transportation access into the community through a grant from the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters Ministry Fund.

The projected completion date of early 2021 will mark an exciting time for the families who have searched and prayed for a fully accessible home in the community they live and work in.  “Family members are reassured knowing Grace Landing will provide our children with a fully integrated, safe and respectful environment where they will be able to thrive with the proper high quality supports in place”, said Duane McAllister, family member and St. Coletta of Wisconsin Board Chair.

Participating in the groundbreaking ceremony were Mr. Ted Behncke, President of St. Coletta of Wisconsin, Mr. Duane McAllister, Father Al Veik who delivered a blessing, Mr. Steve Hoopman of TriStar Living and Mr. Bruce Wanta, Stratford Homes.  Mayor Steven Ponto issued a mayoral proclamation declaring it Kelly McAllister Day in the City of Brookfield.  Kelly acknowledged the honor with a big smile and signed “Thank You” to the crowd.

Families and donors had the opportunity to celebrate by ceremoniously “breaking ground”.  Future plans are to build a community clubhouse on the property to allow for social opportunities and community integration. President, Ted Behncke, remarked, “St. Coletta is thrilled with the opportunity to partner with the City of Brookfield and join these families who seek a lifetime of consistent, loving support for their family members. The community has embraced our mission and the special people we are honored to serve. This project would not be possible without their support and the abundance of donors that have come forward to support our newest initiative. We look forward to welcoming our neighbors with an open house in the Spring of 2021. Thank you to everyone who has played a role in successfully getting us to this point today.”

St. Coletta of Wisconsin (serving Northern Illinois, Brookfield WI, Jefferson, WI and Waukesha, WI) provides quality day programs, residential services, job coaching and recreational activities for individuals with disabilities and other challenges and depends on strong community partnerships to carry out their mission with compassion, dignity and respect.  If you are interested in learning more about St. Coletta of Wisconsin, please contact Robin Baker, Vice President at 920-674-8331, gro.iwattelocts@rekabr or visit our website at www.stcolettawi.org.