Community project funding/congressionally directed spending - construction - the ligonier therapeutic center is a $1.2 million inclusive community-based health and wellness center project aimed at…

This $250,000 Project Grant awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under the Congressional Directives program (CFDA 93.493) will fund the completion of the Ligonier Therapeutic Center in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. The center, operated by Southern Tier Alternative Therapies, Inc., is a 3,800 square foot community-based facility that provides essential health and wellness services, including equine-assisted learning, equine-assisted psychotherapy, occupational, physical, and speech therapy, workshops, and retreats. This funding will enable the organization to finish the interior construction, including ceilings, walls, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and ADA-compliant facilities. Once completed, the center will offer vital therapeutic services to underserved and vulnerable populations in the rural Laurel Highlands region. The project is scheduled for completion by September 2027.

Community project funding/congressionally directed spending - construction - the ligonier therapeutic center is a $1.2 million inclusive community-based health and wellness center project aimed at providing essential health and wellness services in a rural area within the laurel highlands of pennsylvania. Currently, the project is approximately 50% complete and covers 3,800 square feet, offering comprehensive therapeutic facilities and services to the southwestern pennsylvania community. Located about 7 miles from the pennsylvania turnpike's exit 91 (donegal) and 5 miles south on route 711 from the ligonier diamond and route 30/711 intersection, the center is easily accessible from major highways. The project emphasizes inclusivity and offers a range of educational and therapy services, including equine-assisted learning, equine-assisted psychotherapy, occupational, physical, and speech therapy, workshops, retreats, and more to promote and enhance the health, education and quality of life for underserved and vulnerable populations. This hrsa-24-110 federal funding in the amount of $250,000 will complete the interior of an already existing structure (built, unfinished in 2022). The center's design includes a 16-foot by 36-foot enclosed sand-bottomed clinic/recreational area, three restrooms (one ADA-compliant), a business office with staff workspaces, a kitchenette, file storage, lockers, a classroom with audio/visual technology and WI-FI, a 16-foot by 16-foot private entry professional clinic/office, and a storage/utility space. Additionally, a family lounge and small library where guests can relax, choose respite, or observe therapy sessions. Funding to complete this building, through senator casey's appropriation, will be for the purpose to ensure that services are accessible to those living with disabilities. This approach underscores the center's commitment to serving a diverse and inclusive community. The scope of the project includes: the completion of the interior ceilings, walls, insulatio n, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, windows, doors, and exterior work, including concrete, ADA parking spaces/access, outdoor lighting, security gates, and siding to fully enclose the structure. Once completed, the ligonier therapeutic center will offer vital services to the community while fostering economic development and social equity through its grant-based funding model.