Pathways Celebrates Expansion with an Open House October was a time of celebration at Pathways Center for Independent Living. Following a five month long construction process, the 2500 square feet expansion was ready for occupancy. The ribbon cutting of the new facility was October 25th. US Senator Richard Burr, US Congressman Charles Taylor and US Senator Elizabeth Dole’s Field Representative Graham Fields were honored guests. Also participating in the event was John Cooper, the State Director of the USDA Rural Development Program. Jackson County Commission Chairman Brian McMahan and Pathways Governing Board President Ruth Haines addressed the group with well chosen words to mark the significance of the occasion. This event was followed on November 14th with an Open House. Special guests at this event were representatives from the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce who made comments about Pathways expansion of facilities, programs, and their standing as a major employer in Jackson County . Including the Pathways for the Future Center for Independent Living and the Pathways SAIL Home Care Program 66 persons are employed in either full-time or part-time positions. Pathways also has an office in Andrews and operates Western Alliance Center for Independent Living in Asheville. For the expansion, Pathways received a long term low interest loan from the US Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development. The $400,000 loan enabled Pathways to double the size of their current facility. The addition will house the SAIL Home Care Program, administrative offices, and include an expanded conference room. Renovations to the pre-existing facility will allow for Pathways Computer programs to expand. Pathways consumers can now receive individual and group training in the new computer center. Space is also available for the computer repair department, staff offices, an ADA library and assistive technology demonstration area.