The development of a new program for individuals with chronic, but non-acute, mental illness presents many challenges. These hurdles include a variety of local and state regulatory issues, and where a residential program is involved, obtaining zoning approval is both difficult and necessary. Several years ago, the Widger family approached Dennis McAndrews to develop a cutting-edge residential program for individuals such as their son, Clark, who found success in a Massachusetts mental health program but wished to live closer to home in suburban Philadelphia. His parents, Chuck and Barbara Widger, and his sister, Ashley, spearheaded this effort which required identifying a professional partner, obtaining a suitable home, and obtaining zoning approval. This complex process has taken several years, but now Clark’s Manor is a reality, and is now accepting applicants for this magnificent private pay program.
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Most recently, a series of five conditional use zoning hearings were held in Delaware County, Pennsylvania which resulted in final zoning approval for Clark’s Manor. Mr. McAndrews was joined by Nicholas Caniglia, Esq., a local zoning expert, in presenting an extensive and compelling case that Clark’s Manor is a permitted use not only under local zoning law, but also pursuant to the Federal Fair Housing Act. At the conclusion of these lengthy hearings, which spanned nine months, most of which were conducted virtually due to the current pandemic, the local municipality voted to approve the zoning application of Clark’s Manor.
Clark’s Manor is now operational, and is a premier and innovative program developed for adults with chronic mental illness. This beautiful home-like program is operated by Elwyn, a nonprofit human service organization serving individuals with disabilities. Clark’s Manor is named after Clark Widger, its first resident who is a former Conestoga High School soccer player. This cutting-edge and nurturing program is located in central Delaware County and is the first of its kind in the tristate area. It is designed as a therapeutic home environment where residents receive collaborative mental health services such as access to care, connections to the community, activities and programs to promote overall wellness, growth in daily living, social and vocational skills. For more information or to make a referral, please contact Art Fastman, Director, at 610-675-7669 or [email protected].
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We are a nationally recognized firm that provides families of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Area, and New Jersey with exceptional legal representation in Special Education, Estate Planning, Abuse of Vulnerable Citizens, and the representation of individuals involved in higher education allegations of misconduct. |
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