STIC receives $140,000 grant to upgrade facility

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – An organization dedicated to helping those with disabilities, received $140,000 in state funding for a multi-year renovation project, to add seven new heat pumps.

Senator Lea Webb held a news conference at the Southern Tier Independence Center in Binghamton, to announce a multi-phase project to replace the aging infrastructure of the building.

STIC says the new heat pumps will create a safer environment for those with temperature sensitivities or regulation difficulties.

Executive Director Jennifer Watson says receiving support from the state allows STIC to allocate more resources towards empowering people with disabilities to live independently.

“But this funding by fixing the H-VAC system, allows us to divert our resources into what we do best. Which is empowering people with disabilities to live with dignity in their communities,” said Watson.

Watson says in addition to being safer, the energy-efficient heat pumps will reduce environmental impacts and lower operational costs allowing STIC to invest more in their services.

STIC has been operating out of its current facility since 2008.

The project is expected to take multiple years.

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