Villa Esperanza Services to Mark Completion of Second Phase of Campus Expansion

Villa Esperanza Services will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 20th, from 4 to 6 p.m. to celebrate the completion of Phase 2 of its campus expansion.

The Pasadena-based nonprofit has added three new classrooms, an Occupational Therapy Clinic, and a Physical Education and Therapeutic Center to its facility at 2116 E. Villa Street as part of its ongoing Master Plan. These additions will help enhance services for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences.

“We are thrilled to open these new spaces that will allow us to provide even more support to the children and adults we serve,” Villa Esperanza Services CEO Kelly White, shared. “This expansion is a testament to our commitment of creating a nurturing environment.”

The three new classrooms will serve high school-aged students, expanding Villa’s specialized education capacity. The Occupational Therapy Clinic will increase access to therapeutic services for both students and community members. The Physical Education and Therapeutic Center provides versatile space for sports activities, therapeutic exercises, and creative performances, with adult clients having opportunities to participate in engaging classes like Zumba.

Villa client parent Irene Albeck is enthusiastic about the development.

“The Occupational Therapy Clinic, half gym and new classrooms will carry on the legacy and spirit that is always in the walls of Villa Esperanza,” Albeck said. “The metamorphosis of the building on Villa Street will be in my mind a tribute to those parents who dared to dream so long ago.”

Founded in 1961 by a group of Pasadena mothers with children diagnosed with Down Syndrome who were determined to provide their children with a supportive and well-rounded education, Villa Esperanza Services has grown into a comprehensive organization with nine programs. Over the past 60+ years, it has blossomed to serve over 650 individuals across the San Gabriel, San Fernando, and Conejo Valleys, addressing nearly 30 types of I/DD.

The organization offers a range of services for different age groups. For children, these include The Villa School, the Hjelte-Phillips Speech and Language Center, the Occupational Therapy Clinic, and Behavioral Therapy. Adult services feature “Person-Centered” approaches, including Adult Day Programs, a Community Integration Program, Employment Services, and a Residential Program with group homes and an Independent Living Skills Program.

Attendees at the March 20th ribbon-cutting will have the opportunity to tour the new facilities and learn about the impact of the expansion. The event will highlight Villa’s services, which benefit not only Pasadena but also over 20 school districts across Los Angeles County.

To learn more about Villa Esperanza Services, visit www.VillaES.org.