April 23, 2024

Circle of Life to complete first phase of Lincoln School project

By SARAH SCULL

Renovations are being made to the Lincoln School building, which was sold to Circle of Life Rehabilitation Services in February. Circle of Life, a Mount Ayr-based company, plans to use the property for office space, day programs, three residential apartments and potentially a crisis-bed for patients. (CNA file)

Lincoln School, and the property located at 1001 W. Jefferson St., was approved for sale to Creston resident Karen Leonard for $2,500 during the Feb. 20. Creston City Council meeting. During the meeting, Leonard, the director of Mount Ayr-based Circle of Life Rehabilitation Services, said she planned to use the building and property as office space, space for day programs, space for three residential apartments and potentially an eventual crisis-bed for patients.

Progress

“We’ve been doing quite a bit of remodeling on the inside. We’ve put in new tiles, painted four offices, put new flooring down,” said Leonard.

Leonard said many windows have been replaced and the school has a new roof.

“There are no leaks anymore,” said Leonard.

Leonard, who had hoped to have the facility renovated and open for business in seven months’ time, said the process has been a bit slower than she had expected, partially because of funding, some of which comes from Medicaid and she has had an influx of new referrals and meetings to attend for the five other facilities she oversees in Union, Ringgold and Clarke counties.

Construction and renovations are still underway inside the building, however, Circle of Life plans to move their offices and have landscaping complete by Nov. 1.

When asked if there were unexpected issues with the building, Leonard said, “no.”

“I am very, very pleased with the purchase that we made and how well maintained the school was considering it was empty for quite some time,” said Leonard. “It’s got a lot of potential and I’m just glad we got the opportunity to be able to do something with it.”

Leonard said the goal is to have day rehabilitation services open to clients at the Lincoln School location just after the first of the year. However, she said they still have many things to purchase for the program, such as equipment for their weight and exercise room, and kitchen.

To help offset the cost, Leonard and her staff are planning some fundraisers, such as a haunted house that has traditionally been held at the property.

Circle of Life Rehabilitation Services is a for-profit organization that’s goal is “to educate, empower and to inspire those who have a physical or mental disability.” For more information about Circle of Life, call 641-464-8058.