Today’s post is a guest blog by Lee A. Casaccio, AIA, LEED AP | Principal, Casaccio Yu Architects

Casaccio Yu Architects was the design firm that helped Easter Seals of Southeastern Pennsylvania transform the former Temple Shalom synagogue into the new Margaret “Judge” Brooks Center. It has meant a lot to us as architects and individuals to be involved with such a meaningful project.

We took very seriously the importance of Easter Seals and the Brooks Center to the community. We wanted to design an environment that would be warm, nurturing, family-oriented, and sustainable. We did a lot of advance thinking to consider how spaces would impact the teachers and children.

We incorporated natural light to ensure the spaces were bright and welcoming. We used soothing colors for a sense of calm and comfort. We created airy, open spaces that accommodate wheelchairs and are flexible to adapt to the changing needs of students and staff. The calming flow of space, softened edges without hard angles, and the water-themed graphics help create comfort zones.

Our Mission Driven Design^TM approach was informed by the Easter Seals goal to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. That mission inspired our work and the spaces. We are so gratified to see that the facility has already been meeting its higher purpose. We wish everyone at the Brooks Center continued success.

We did it! Easter Seals hit the million dollar mark in our Campaign for Bucks County. For that we give a million thanks to the donors who brought us to this milestone!

Already, through the support of our donors, the new building is having tremendous impact on the community we serve. Children are navigating the wide bright hallways and exploring their new environment. Staff has the access to the space they need to most effectively work with the children we serve. The dream has finally become a reality.

Though there is still work to be done, on both the building and the campaign, this is reason to celebrate. Easter Seals mission is focused on the needs of our community, our success is defined by the support of our community.

Thank you!

For so long, the staff and students “made do”. Mostly because there was nothing they could do. But they made do with a great attitude, an incredible focus on programs and services and the hope that one day, there would be more space.

Well the day is here and the joy is incredible! You can’t help but be excited when you walk through the new building. The staff is smiling even brighter and the children have settled in. Then you notice the little things.

In the old building, there was no place for a sick child to rest in the nurses office. There wasn’t room. Today, not only is there space, but it is also cool enough to bring a smile to any child!

Here is what the nurses office used to look like:

and here is just a part of the nurses office today:

Through the support of the community, access to the little things is making every day extraordinary! If you would like to see more of how the building is shaping up and how you can help us maximize its potential, please let us know!

Here are some thoughts on the first week from Adrienne Young, Bucks County Division Director….

We have been in our new beautiful building for over a week now and we are still pinching ourselves when we come to work every day! Our new building is more  amazing than we could have ever dreamed!

The most exciting day of all was the first day of school On Wednesday February 13^th, when the students pulled up in their school buses – when the children entered the building, there were great big smiles and laughter ringing through the halls. 

The parents that came through the last two weeks were so excited  to see the finished product.  Some parents of our Approved Private School alumni and former staff came by as well.

The teachers have been taking their students for walks daily to make them more familiar with their new school. Children who are working on their gross motor skills finally have wide hallways where they can practice taking steps and navigating through the school, visiting staff and friends along the way.

We would like to thank everyone who helped this dream become a reality.  Because of our new building, we will be able to meet the needs of all of our children and serve more as well!