9 Family Connection: Renovations begin on Russell Home

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Russell Home for Atypical Children has been serving special-needs children for 67 years in the same house that was owned by its founder, and the house is in need of repair.

Renovations began on the home Thursday.

"I am very excited," said resident Benjamin Leary.

Leary, 47, has called the Russell Home his home since he was 6 years old.

"It's wonderful. So we can have more people," Leary said.

The Russell Home was started by Vantrease Russell in 1947, and it is one of the area's oldest charities. It has served brain-damaged children for stays from one day to a lifetime.

During its nearly seven decades of service, the charity has never taken a dime from federal or state coffers.

The Russell Home is privately funded, and the house, which was built in 1941, is falling apart.

The home will expand from 9,000 to 15,000 square feet. The number of bathrooms will double from three to six. Additional bedrooms will be added, the kitchen will be remodeled, a huge dining room will be added, and a home theater.

"So we can watch movies and stuff," said Leary.

"Mrs. Russell wanted a home to help children,; she would have wanted it to be a bigger house to help more children," said Duncan, Leary's roommate.

Staff members said they hope the renovations will ensure the home is there another 60 years.

Hundreds of children have depended on the Russell Home over the years.

The renovation, which is being fully funded by individuals, businesses, churches and local foundations, is expected to be completed next spring.

Cox Media Group