The Home of the Innocents held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday to mark the start of a $75 million expansion project at its 22-acre campus. The project will add 50 beds to its complex care unit, increasing the facility’s capacity from 76 to 126 beds.
The expansion addresses a long-standing challenge for the organization, which serves children and young adults with severe medical needs. Until now, residents were required to leave the facility at age 21, often transitioning to settings that could not meet their needs.
According to Paul Robinson, President and CEO of the Home of the Innocents, this led to significant challenges, with about 40% of discharged residents passing away within 18 months.
“This expansion ensures that residents can stay with us for the rest of their lives, and it will also open up space for more children who need care,” Robinson said. He added that 13 children currently waiting at a local hospital will have access to services once the project is wrapped up.
The expansion has been funded through a combination of private donations and public funds. The Kentucky General Assembly allocated $30 million toward the project, with the remaining amount coming from community fundraising efforts.
“The budgetary process is often unclear to people, but this project demonstrates how public dollars can be used to support critical needs,” State Senator Julie Raque Adams said.
Families who have relied on the Home of the Innocents see the expansion as a critical step forward. Debra Heaster, whose son Daniel lived at the facility for 17 years before his death last year at age 25, shared her perspective on the importance of continuity in care.
“Nursing homes aren’t equipped for most young adults with these medical needs. Continuity is essential for them to thrive,” Heaster said. She was among the parents who advocated for additional funding to make the expansion possible.
The project is scheduled to be completed in 2026. See renderings of the completed expansion below:
