Atlanta, GA,
07
August
2015
|
09:00 AM
America/New_York

Shepherd Center Undertakes Two New Renovation Projects

Shepherd Center has two renovation projects under way, both with the intent of updating the space and creating a more comfortable and pleasant environment for patients and their families.

The chapel, located near the Shepherd Building entrance, is being reconfigured to allow for the addition of new pews, a meditation area and new chaplain offices. The meditation space will also double as an area inside the chapel where chaplains can meet with patients and families. The existing stained glass window will be moved and backlit against a wall, freeing up space for a window of frosted glass, which will improve the lighting in the chapel. Gail Foster, a professional artist and former Shepherd patient, is donating a painting that will hang on the main wall.

“We’re completely redesigning the space to make it more comfortable and inviting for Shepherd patients and their families,” says Wilma Bunch, vice president, facility services and risk manager for Shepherd Center.

The $200,000 chapel renovation is being funded through the generosity of longtime Shepherd Center supporters Fred Alias and his sons, Andrew and Shaler.

“It is very special that the funds for this project are being donated by a family with strong ties to Shepherd Center,” says Alan Roof, one of Shepherd Center’s chaplains. “By providing a place for peace and worship, it demonstrates to patients and their families that the community outside does care about what goes on inside Shepherd Center’s doors.”

Also undergoing a facelift is Shepherd Pathways, Shepherd Center’s facility for outpatient brain injury services. The $1.8 million project is also being funded with donor contributions.

Plans call for adding a canopy to the entrance to allow people to exit their cars in a covered area in case of bad weather, an improved waiting area for families, and increasing and updating therapy rooms.

“We are reallocating space to improve efficiency,” Bunch says. “The number of patients in Pathways has increased over the years, and we will be able to accommodate them and their families more comfortably.”

Construction on both projects began in July. The chapel is scheduled for completion in September, and Pathways should be finished in early 2016.

Written by Sara Baxter

About Shepherd Center

Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems, Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.