TAMPA – Project Focus has unveiled plans for a first-of-its-kind community campus in Tampa Bay, designed to meet the housing and workforce needs of people with developmental disabilities.
The proposed campus features a middle and high school, a transition academy for students ages 18 to 22, a workforce training center with commercial partners, a performing arts theater and apartment-style housing. Project Focus aims to provide a place for residents to develop the skills necessary to gain independence.
“At Project Focus, we believe individuals with developmental disabilities deserve more than programs, they deserve a place to belong, thrive and grow,” Executive Director Clayton Clemens said. “This campus is designed to provide choice, remove barriers to housing, employment and community engagement while building a model that can be replicated elsewhere.”
Project Focus has convened an advisory council of leaders to guide the effort. Members include:
- Commissioner Josh Wostal, Hillsborough County.
- Councilman Luis Viera, City of Tampa.
- Leroy Moore, chief operating officer, Tampa Housing Authority.
- John Nertney, chief financial officer, Alliant Partners.
- School Board Member Patti Rendon, Hillsborough County School Board.
- Eric Eisenberg, senior vice president, University South Florida Community Partnerships.
- Eileen Pope, senior vice president of community development, Bank of America.
- Mayor Andy Ross, City of Temple Terrace.
- Christian Leon, executive director, Patel Family Foundation.
“The advisory council gives us the ability to bring together leaders who deeply believe in this mission and are ready to move the needle,” Clemens said. “It takes a community that believes in you to build a community.”
Project Focus is working with stakeholders on locating a property to bring their vision to life and working with state and federal partners at eliminating the red tape that prohibits intentional communities from being constructed.
Project Focus leadership remains committed to providing a community that would resemble a 55+ community with safety and services taken into consideration. They also believe in the importance of being central with access to bus stops and the interstate for those who commute.
Project Focus supports daily programming for 160 young people with developmental disabilities on its campus in Temple Terrace through Focus Academy, Focus Forward Adult Day Program, Focus Workforce Readiness Training, the Focus Café and Focus Day School. The use of drama therapy, mental health supports and the arts separate it from other programming.
Project Focus hosts weekly tours at the Temple Terrace campus and is hosting its Annual Gala on Oct. 18 at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club.
On the web: www.projectfocusfoundation.org
