Blossom Hill opens daytime Abilities Enrichment Center in Middleburg Heights for developmentally disabled

hio – From the colorful mural at its entrance to the serenity of the sensory room, Blossom Hill's new Abilities Enrichment Center day program has engaging sights, sounds and opportunities to enhance the quality of life for those with developmental disabilities.

The 25,000-square-foot facility, located at 7080 Engle Road in Middleburg Heights, had its grand opening on Sept. 19. By the same time next year, Blossom Hill hopes to have served 100 individuals at the Abilities Enrichment Center.

"It is the most amazing thing ever," Blossom Hill Executive Director of Operations Jessica Toivonen said about the new center. "When individuals come here, they get to choose what to do every day.

"We hope they leave at the end of the day with a sense of belonging and love."

Among the amenities available are an arts and crafts classroom, café, on-site fitness, a movie room, sensory room, game room, holistic therapy and more. There is also a nurse on staff to tend to those with medical needs.

"We're looking to expand to where other folks out in the community have needs that can be met by tapping into a facility like this," Blossom Hill Foundation Board of Directors President Marty Gardner said.

"The need is astronomical."

Lisa Kristosik, Blossom Hill's chief executive officer and a registered nurse, explained why.

"After the COVID-19 pandemic, it became very important that the individuals who live with us (in four local residential facilities) had somewhere to go where they could play and have choices and experiences during the day," Kristosik said, adding many places previously providing that enrichment fell upon hard times and had to close their doors.

"We are very proud to be integrated into Middleburg Heights and welcomed with open arms."