Christian Brothers Dedicate Stair Lift

From left, Br. Kevin M. Griffith, CFC; Br. Stephen V. Hale, CFC; and SOAR! board vice chair Bill Smith cut the ribbon on the new stair lift Nov. 17 at the Iona Preparatory School Christian Brothers Residence.

The Christian Brothers Foundation officially dedicated their new stair lift Nov. 17 at their Iona Preparatory School Brothers’ Residence in New Rochelle, New York. SOAR! awarded the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers Foundation a $17,000 grant to purchase and install a stair lift.

The ribbon-cutting event was attended by Bill Smith, vice board chair for SOAR!, Brother Kevin Griffith, C.F.C., Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America Province leader, and members of the Province Leadership Team.

The two-story residence was built in the late 60s without an elevator. Today, the residence is home to 12 Brothers. Some minister in the school, but about half of the community is made up of retired Brothers, who can care for themselves, but may have difficulty accessing the second floor community room and other second floor areas.  The community also assists Brothers rehabilitating after medical procedures.

Also attending were members of local Brothers’ communities, members of the province business office and members of the foundation office, including director Colleen Noonan.