Park Place closes in Newark

After 13 successful years of operation, the Park Presbyterian Church announces the closure of its Park Place Enriched Housing Program.

A mission of the church, Park Place has provided supportive services in a family-style home to 44 adults since it opened in 1990.

The Enriched Housing Committee recommended that the Park Place mission cease operations of the enriched housing program after a great deal of thought and reflection on the future needs and demands of a program of this magnitude.

Insuring quality assurance and regulatory compliance standards and a 500 percent increase in program liability insurance led to the decision to cease operations.

Park Place staff worked with each resident and their families to find appropriate alternate living arrangements. The program remained fully operational during the closing process offering continued support and assistance to Park Place residents.

Program coordinator, Cyndi Barrett states, 'A very dedicated staff along with Park Presbyterian Church and community volunteers have provided Park Place residents with the highest standards of care and compassion since the program opened in 1990. We've always operated on a shoe-string budget, but state regulations and escalating insurance premiums continue to put an enormous amount of pressure and stress on small private, non-profit programs like Park Place. It is unrealistic and difficult at best to continue to rely on church volunteers to fill the ever-increasing needs and demands of an enriched housing program.'

'I am very sad to see the program close, but also very, very proud and pleased to be part of the Park Place mission and family for the past 13 years.'

Park Presbyterian Church takes this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to 'enriching' the lives of Park Place residents with their time, their talent wish list items and/or financial contributions.

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