Pacesetters reestablishing a physical presence in Livingston to expand support services for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Overton County.
Executive Director Larry Rector said the organization recently opened two new homes in the area to support local residents. Rector said the move comes after the previous Livingston office closed due to staffing challenges and service consolidation.
“It’s just really great to see them out in the community and being part of the community,” Rector said, “Because I know myself speaking, the people that Pacesetters supports, it makes me feel good about myself, it makes, they uplift me.”
Rector said the facility will offer supported living for groups of two to three people and a family model program similar to foster care. Rector said the building will also host social activities such as games and dances to encourage community interaction.
“But we’d be glad to share our building, there’s still a few things that we’ll be finishing up and getting ready, but it’s just a good time to meet the staff and meet some of our persons supported because, you know, they I guarantee if you come out meet them, they they will put a smile on your face,” Rector said.
Rector said the new location will be led by County Director Andrew (AJ) Romeyn, an Overton County resident who previously served as a residential supervisor. Rector said the organization currently serves approximately 15 people in the county through supported living and community participation programs.
“Kind of our one of our philosophies is is nothing about me without me, so even when we have meetings or whatever the case may be, we try to get their input and let them have let them have a say on things that they do,” Rector said.
Rector said the expansion is expected to create new jobs for direct support professionals and administrative staff in Livingston. Rector said the organization also manages a family support program that provides grants for medical equipment, travel expenses, and home modifications for adolescents.
“And that was just it was just great to be able to see them, seeing the ocean, you know, things that we a lot of us take for granted, being able to see the ocean and having that on the part that they got they was able to experience that,” Rector said.
Pacesetters will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house with light refreshments at the new building on Tuesday at 10:00am.
