For the second time in its history, Independent Living Of The Genesee Region (ILGR) cut the ribbon on a new location.
To make room for expanded staff, which is up to 18 now, and additional programs, ILGR re-located in January to larger quarters (5,800 square feet) in the Crickler Executive Business Center located at 319 West Main Street in Batavia.
“Tompkins wanted to expand and use the space at our old location(at Main and Bank street), so we built this space out, it was part of the Pepsi distribution center and was total warehouse space,” says Rae Frank, Director of Independent Living of the Genesee Region.
In October construction started and the space was completed at the end of December. The new location opened on January 1st.
“We have more meeting rooms so we can do more group work and staff have offices to meet one on one with clients.”
Frank says there is now more parking which was a struggle at the old location.
Doug Usiak 
ILGR needed the extra space for its many programs serving citizens with disabilities in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties. Some of these services include: peer support, benefits advisement, job search, life skills instruction, information & referral services; and individual advocacy at appointments for public benefits.
“We have double the space, our lobby is a place I want to use as a drop in wellness center, I want there to be resources there for people.”
Frank says they will be launching the “Wellness Hour” in April where a weekly speaker will talk about staying healthy.
There is also more room for the Art Exhibit in the lobby where artist with disabilities can display their work and sell it. The work is usually up for a few months and each artist participates in an open reception.
To contact Independent Living in Batavia, call 585-815-8501 Ext. 400
They are open from 8:30-5:00p.m. Monday -Friday.
http://wnyil.org/ILGR https://www.facebook.com/ILGR14020/
A new office will also be opening in Warsaw in the spring. It will be located at 2407 North Main street.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.