Kent-Sussex Industries, Inc. (KSI) welcomed legislators, community partners, and supporters on October 16 to reveal the newest phase of renovations at its Milford Skill Development Center, showcasing major upgrades designed to enhance training and life-skills development for individuals with disabilities.
Guests toured the center’s new Pre-Vocational Training area, which provides participants more opportunities to focus on job-readiness and personal enrichment when they are not engaged in paid work. The space marks a shift from the center’s traditional open manufacturing layout toward a more individualized training environment, joining the Life Enrichment area that opened in the southern wing of the Milford Center in late 2023.
“This project represents the next step in our vision to create a more dynamic, engaging, and supportive environment for the people we serve,” said KSI CEO Heath Chasanov. “We’re building spaces that help participants develop skills for independence and confidence in their daily lives.”
The latest phase of the master renovation plan was completed this summer, supported by a $500,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant administered through Kent County Levy Court, along with an additional $100,000 from the State of Delaware Community Reinvestment Fund as part of the “mini” Bond Bill. The expansion includes a new Life Skills Training Center equipped with a functioning kitchen, laundry facilities, dining tables, and even a bed—allowing participants to practice essential skills for daily living.
“With this Life Skills Center, participants can gain real-world experience—cooking a meal, doing laundry, or setting up a living space,” said Chasnov. “These are the kinds of lessons that help people live more independently.”
The WSFS Cares Foundation contributed an additional $10,000 to furnish the Life Skills Training area with appliances, including washers, dryers, a refrigerator, and a stove. KSI also plans to open the Life Skills facility to local schools, providing students with disabilities the opportunity to learn independent living skills if similar programs are not available in their districts.
“KSI’s approach shows how partnerships can make a tangible difference,” said Kent County Levy Court Commissioner Terry Pepper. “When we invest in organizations like KSI, we’re investing in people’s futures.”
So far, KSI has invested more than $1.3 million in renovations at the Milford Skill Development Center. The most recent construction was completed by Delaware City–based Amakor, Inc., with design by Davis, Bowen & Friedel’s Milford office. The organization is now turning its attention to reworking the northern end of the building into a flexible space that will accommodate both contract production and Pre-Vocational Training.
“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but this is just one part of a larger journey,” said Chasanov. “Every new space we build helps create more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to grow and succeed.”
KSI is a nonprofit agency that provides vocational training, employment services, and life-skill development programs for individuals with disabilities throughout Kent and Sussex counties. The organization is dedicated to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all participants have the resources and accommodations they need to thrive.
For more information about KSI’s programs or partnership opportunities, visit www.ksiinc.org or contact Mark Reeve at 302-422-4014 ext. 3019 or [email protected].
