Pictured is the former WCA Home on Temple Street in Fredonia, which is being purchased by Aspire.

Aspire of WNY still awaits final state approval for its move to the former WCA Home on Temple Street in Fredonia. However, the building is in “beautiful condition” and would need few changes.

Megan Rechin, Aspire of WNY’s executive vice president of innovation and strategy, shared some details this week about the organization’s planned move.

She stated that the state Attorney General’s Office must approve the donation of the property by the WCA Home board. The state did give preliminary approval before the village of Fredonia enacted a usage variance March 10, she said.

“We just need it in writing to move forward, so we don’t have (a) distinct timeline yet, although we hope to see movement within a month or two,” Rechin said of the Attorney General’s approval.

“The building is in beautiful condition and we will not need to make any significant construction/changes to the building for our services,” Rechin said. “As it was an assisted living facility, it is in great condition and standards for us to support people with disabilities. If we have to change anything on the interior, we plan to work with the Village of Fredonia building permit team if a project needs to be executed for our needs.

“We will also continuously work to build relationships with our neighbors and community members in the area to understand any concerns with our occupancy of the building to work with them,” Rechin added. “Our ability to provide services relies on us being a good neighbor, and we’ll continue to do that.”

Aspire of WNY is a nonprofit provider of services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rechin continued that Aspire “will be moving the services currently offered in Fredonia at our Church Street leased location to the WCA Home.”

The services include “non-certified Day Habilitation and Community-Based services including our iXpress art program, Supported Volunteering & Life Enrichment Programs, Pre-Vocational Services, and Workforce Development. We will also have administrative offices from our support departments located at the WCA Home.”

Rechin said Aspire is still working on estimates of the number of jobs the move could provide. She said that Aspire of WNY has expanded from around 1,500 employees in 2022 to nearly 1,800 now.

“The more services we can provide the community, also means more jobs we are able to create,” she added.

On March 10, Aspire of WNY and the WCA received approval from the village on their request for a use variance for the property. The new headquarters will consolidate and expand Aspire of WNY’s existing services in the area, offering greater accessibility and a continuum of care for individuals and families. Aspire of WNY currently operates in Fredonia, in a commercial space in the town square and in several group homes in northern Chautauqua County.

“Aspire of WNY is honored to be entrusted with the next chapter of the WCA Home,” said Renee A. Filip, President & CEO of Aspire of WNY. “This facility is the perfect location to deliver and expand our person-centered services to the Fredonia community, creating a true hub that brings together people of all abilities. By investing in this beautiful, historic property, we are continuing the WCA Home’s powerful legacy of support, ensuring it remains a source of pride and opportunity for generations to come.”

Since 1947, Aspire of WNY has been a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fulfilling, independent lives throughout their lifespans, achieving their greatest potential and actualizing their dreams. With a long-standing footprint across Western New York, Aspire of WNY is committed to person-centered programs that foster independence, community integration, and advocacy.