Acorn Village, in New Road, Mistley, is celebrating 40 years since it first swung open the doors of Mistley Hall to the first 14 residents.
Ray Ablett, chief executive, said: “Today Acorn Village is much more than just its original concept; it is a valuable asset to the local community of Mistley, Manningtree and Lawford.”
Acorn Village started out as the idea of Denzil and Phyllis Green, who wanted to create a better life for their daughter Ann and others with similar learning disabilities.
They opened Mistley Hall to the first residents and supporting co-workers in 1975 after three years of fundraising.
At its heart has always been the residents.
And the latest project will see a new state-of-the art assisted living complex and a new respite care centre built on land the charity has owned since 2001.
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