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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shirley Freyer
Concordia Lutheran Ministries
Tel: 1-724-352-1571 x8266
sfreyer@concordialm.org

Concordia Breaks Ground on New Haven I Facility

Cabot, PA – Concordia Lutheran Ministries took the first step toward rebuilding Haven 1 on April 30, as over 100 residents and community members attended a groundbreaking ceremony.

The ceremony, which was highlighted by a dedication service by Concordia Chaplain Rev. Jack Hartman, included short speeches from Director of Public Relations and Development Shirley Freyer and President of the Haven I Residents’ Council Bob Waltenbaugh. Butler County Commissioner Jim Kennedy and Concordia’s Building Committee Chairman Ken Wallhausen also spoke that afternoon.

“Out of the ashes comes a celebration of faith,” Freyer said in her speech.  She referred to President and CEO Keith Frndak’s comment to the media on November 5th, “Obviously, in terms of property loss, we had a catastrophe. But in terms of people, we feel very blessed.”

Following the ceremony, those in attendance sang hymns and waved yellow ribbons to signify the eventual homecoming of the Haven I residents, many of whom currently live in the recently expanded Lund Care Center. Waltenbaugh expressed his excitement for the construction to begin.

“We were all happy as skunks in the old Haven I,” he said. “We’re going to be happy in the new building, I’m sure.”

Concordia received approval from Jefferson Township to start fast-track construction on the footers and foundation. The goal is to have the building completed by the end of January 2008.

The 175,000 sq. foot building will feature a 350 seat dining room, movable stage for a variety of performances, three elevators, and 115 one and two bedroom apartments. Each unit will have a washer, dryer, dishwasher, and powder room.

Extra safety precautions are being taken as well. A full sprinkler system will be installed, a large “fire pump” will be added in the water building (behind Haven I), and the emergency power system (used during outages) will be strengthened.