SPRINGDALE, Ark. (Sept. 2009) — More than 100 clients, client families, staff and friends of the Elizabeth Richardson Center (ERC) gathered to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the ICF homes on Kim Avenue in Springdale. Betsy Phillips, representing the Jones Family Trust, was the guest speaker. She recalled how Bernice Jones and Elizabeth Richardson were close friends and the trust was responsible for donating the majority of the capital required to build the 3 homes in 1989.

Each resident has their own room and there are 10 residents in each home. The clients conducted tours for the guests and showed off their rooms as well as the common living areas, exercise areas and dining areas as well as the newly remodeled kitchens. Each home had different displays with the Richardson Home focused on the history of ERC, the Jones Home focused on the history of the ICF homes and the Norman Home was focused on Special Olympics and our clients’ active participation in that event over the years.

For more information on the Elizabeth Richardson Center, visit www.ercinc.org.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

ERC's Executive Director John Buck introduces Betsy Phillips from the Jones Family Trust as the guest speaker to those in attendance at the 20th anniversary celebration of the ERC ICF homes.

ERC's Executive Director John Buck introduces Betsy Phillips from the Jones Family Trust as the guest speaker to those in attendance at the 20th anniversary celebration of the ERC ICF homes.

Patsy O'Mara, (left) former ERC staff, talks with Tricia and Jean Bowen at the 20th anniversary celebration of the ERC ICF homes. Tricia is one of the original clients who still lives at the ICF homes, and Jean Bowen is Tricia's mom and wife of ERC COO, William Bowen.

Patsy O'Mara, (left) former ERC staff, talks with Tricia and Jean Bowen at the 20th anniversary celebration of the ERC ICF homes. Tricia is one of the original clients who still lives at the ICF homes, and Jean Bowen is Tricia's mom and wife of ERC COO, William Bowen.

Only standing room was available at the 20th anniversary celebration of the opening of the ICF homes on Kim Avenue in Springdale that were officially opened for residents in Sept. 1989.  Eight of the original 30 residents still live at the homes.

Only standing room was available at the 20th anniversary celebration of the opening of the ICF homes on Kim Avenue in Springdale that were officially opened for residents in Sept. 1989. Eight of the original 30 residents still live at the homes.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..