Boone County Family Resources rejoices in opening on new West Ash Street offices

Boone County Family Resources staff members were working up to three-deep in office space at its former location on Walnut Street.

Leaders with the social service agency reached a conclusion.

It was time for a change.

The agency purchased land on West Ash Street from MBS Book Exchange, and a new 34,590-square foot office space designed by Simon Associates Inc. was built, with construction managed by Little Dixie Construction.

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The organization held a celebration and ribbon-cutting Thursday to mark its open house. Construction was completed in January 2021.

"Our new space is really a vehicle that helps us meet our agency's growing needs, allows us to serve more people and helps us to do what we really love, which is helping individuals with developmental disabilities thrive in the community," said Robyn Kaufman, former executive director.

Plans for the new offices started in 2016 when the board established a savings fund, said Kaufman, who still was with the organization when construction took place.

The initial plan was to expand the Walnut Street offices, but the need for a parking garage to pair with office expansion proved too high of a project cost.

The agency purchased land in November 2018 from MBS, and a bid process ensued ahead of construction.

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"Our design intent was to maximize the utilization of the property and provide a contemporary environment with flexibility to support the mission, growth, clients and staff," wrote John Simon, architect from Simon Associates, in a statement.

The goal was "to provide a dynamic, comfortable environment where people are excited to visit and work," Simon wrote.

Family Resources is a social service agency founded in 1976 through a specially designated property tax levy to aid those with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Walnut Street location is not sitting empty. It now is the home of Love Columbia.

Family Resources has three program areas: family and community living support; life and work connections; and supportive living. The facility also serves as the new home of the Family Access Center of Excellence of Boone County, which will have its own opening celebration next month.

Current and former staff and board members expressed excitement about finally celebrating the official opening of the new office space.

What people can expect in the new facility

The office space at 2700 W. Ash St. features an expandable, multipurpose community room with capacity of up to 150 people. It can be used for small or large agency and community meetings.

Monitors throughout the facility display general information and information on community resources.

Work spaces are flexible, including covered outdoor patios with ceiling fans, drop-in meeting rooms and a conference room with accommodations for those who use American Sign Language.

Other spaces include a mother's room with a sink and a comfortable chair for feedings, a laundry facility and a family restroom.

"(Family Resources) really is the connective tissue for so many in this community. For me it's really special. I have had friends and families who have been involved as clients and have engaged with (the organization) on various levels," said Janet Thompson, board member and Boone County commissioner.

Family Resources is one of the few organizations in the state without a waiting list for clients, said Bob Bailey, board president.

"Quality, we've got it in abundance. Every year it is 95 or higher, the satisfaction rate of our clients. That's thanks to (our staff)," he said.

Charles Dunlap covers courts, public safety and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com, or CD_CDT on Twitter. Please consider subscribing to support vital local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: New office space opens for Boone County Family Resources