United Church Homes’ Laurel’s Edge Affordable Housing Community Receives Support from Cobb EMC Foundation

United Church Homes’ Laurel’s Edge affordable housing community in Kennesaw, Ga., has received support from the Cobb EMC (Electric Membership Corporation) Foundation to enhance resident safety and accessibility through the expansion of a key outdoor walking path.

Laurel’s Edge serves approximately 250 individuals and families within the Cobb EMC service district. The community is dedicated to transforming aging, advancing the mission of United Church Homes to create abundant life in community.

The funded project will widen an existing sidewalk that currently presents safety and accessibility challenges for residents who use walkers or wheelchairs. At present, the path is too narrow to allow for safe passing or turning, limiting residents’ ability to comfortably enjoy outdoor spaces together.

Because widening the sidewalks is the community’s highest priority, the project will proceed in phases. Funding received from the Cobb EMC Foundation will first be directed toward expanding the walking path to improve safety and accessibility for residents. United Church Homes plans to pursue additional grant support and other funding sources to complete the remaining outdoor enhancements, including patio improvements and gathering spaces, with the goal of finishing the full project as soon as possible.

In addition to the sidewalk improvements, future plans include new concrete pads to support expanded outdoor activity and social engagement, including a 10-by-10-foot seating area adjacent to a horseshoe pit and improved accessible entry to a covered patio. These enhancements are designed to promote mobility, encourage exercise and create more opportunities for residents to gather and connect with one another.

The community also wishes to recognize Frank Roth, a dedicated volunteer whose efforts helped bring the horseshoe pit to Laurel’s Edge. His contribution has provided residents with an enjoyable outdoor recreation space and inspired the vision for additional gathering areas around the amenity.

“Projects like this reflect our deep commitment to dignity, independence and community for every resident we serve,” said Ken Young, chief executive officer of United Church Homes. “By improving accessibility and safety in shared outdoor spaces, we are helping ensure older adults can move freely, connect with one another and fully enjoy the places they call home.”

“This investment directly responds to the voices of our residents, more than 10 of whom have requested a safer and more inclusive walking path,” said Gloria Hurwitz, vice president of advancement. “When we listen and respond with thoughtful design improvements, we strengthen both health outcomes and the sense of belonging that makes Laurel’s Edge such a special community.”

The project will include grading, removal of soil and installation of 4-inch broom-finish concrete to expand the existing path and improve accessibility throughout the property.

United Church Homes and Laurel’s Edge extend their gratitude to the Cobb EMC Foundation for its partnership and continued investment in the well-being of residents and families throughout the region.