McLeary Manor aims for holiday opening

Date: 9/12/2014

HOLYOKE – Karen Blanchard of Providence Ministries for the Needy is “hopeful” that the new McCleary Manor, a sober living, single room occupancy (SRO) ministry will open by the holiday season.

“We are hoping volunteer teams will be willing to do a day of service to help us with cleaning and painting of the entrance and common hallway areas,” Blanchard told Reminder Publications.

Blanchard was joined by Liz Adzima, Providence’s new director for community development, who is organizing the work teams.

Adzima’s position was created as part of a resource development plan to build capacity for program growth in response to an increased need for supportive services in the region.

“We welcome any individuals or groups who would be willing to take on a room renovation project too,” Adzima said.

Providence is leasing the brick building that sits atop the hill overlooking Providence Behavioral Health Hospital from the Sisters of Providence. The building, originally known as Bethlehem Institute for orphaned infants in 1909, most recently was the site of an acute residential treatment program overseen by the hospital. Over the years the building also served as a convent for the Sisters of Providence.

“Our board is very excited about this new venture because it ties directly into our long-range strategic plan,” Blanchard said. “Our current SRO at Broderick House is almost always full to capacity and almost always has a waiting list.”

Blanchard added that with the addition of McCleary Manor, Providence could offer affordable, low-income, safe, sober housing to 27 more men.
 
McCleary Manor is being named after Sister Margaret McCleary, Providence’s Foundress.

“It is only fitting that our board of trustees voted to name this new program in honor of Sister Margaret,” Blanchard said. “She has been a guiding presence to me personally, and to our board, throughout all these years. Her vision of Providence Ministries – of helping all those in need – truly lives on to this day.”

The ministry has 30 bedrooms plus two living rooms and two kitchen/dining room spaces to renovate and decorate.

“We want the building to be a comfortable and supportive home for the men in recovery who live there,” Adzima said.

For more information on volunteering or donating bedroom sets – twin, full or queen – living room, kitchen furniture, or accessories, contact Adzima at 536-9109, ext. 14.