Blue Ridge Opportunities Opens Second Location to Expand Services for Adults with Disabilities

The air was filled with celebration and gratitude as Blue Ridge Opportunities (BRO) officially opened its second location in Front Royal, cutting the ceremonial ribbon on BRO 2.0 alongside town leaders, community supporters, and many smiling friends—BRO’s term for the adults with disabilities they serve every day.

Hosted by the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, the event marked a major milestone for the nonprofit, which has supported individuals with developmental disabilities in the Shenandoah Valley since 1992.

“This is not just a new location—it’s an expansion of a dream,” said Cathy Wolfe, Executive Director of BRO, after the ribbon cutting. “Our community needs this. We have a much bigger need than what we had originally anticipated.”

The new facility, located at 450 S. Commerce Avenue, provides 3,700 square feet of additional space for programming, making it quieter and more sensory-friendly than BRO’s original bustling Water Street building. The expansion allows BRO to grow by 50%, increasing its capacity from 40 clients to 60.

“Now that we’re receiving more waiver approvals from the state, the demand for services is increasing,” Wolfe explained. “This space allows us to serve more individuals while also tailoring the environment to meet different sensory needs.”

A Mission That’s Grown With the Community

Licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), BRO provides Group Day Support, Community Engagement, and Community Coaching Services—vital programs that help adults with disabilities develop skills, connect with others, and participate fully in community life.

“Our days are full,” Wolfe said. “We get coffee in the morning like everyone else, we exercise, and then we’re out in the community—volunteering with groups like Habitat for Humanity, Humane Societies, and even the Chamber of Commerce.”

From crafting toys for shelter animals to visiting museums in Washington, D.C., clients at BRO don’t just receive services—they give back.

“Whether it’s helping socialize animals or learning budgeting and public transportation skills, everything we do is centered on growth, connection, and empowerment,” Wolfe said.

Meeting a Rising Need

The expansion comes at a crucial time. As part of his “Right Help, Right Now” initiative, Governor Glenn Youngkin invested $300 million in services for Virginians on the state’s Priority One Developmental Disability Waiver waiting list—those in urgent need. The move added 1,100 new waiver slots, speeding up access to services across the state.

Locally, BRO is seeing the effects. “People who were on the waitlist for years are now being approved for services in months,” Wolfe said. “But providers like us have to be ready—and this expansion helps us meet that moment.”

With current clients and staff already using the new facility in a phased transition, BRO plans to welcome new clients early next year. As part of that transition, clients have helped set up the new space, choosing their own supplies and decorations and even testing the furniture.

“It’s all about ownership,” Wolfe said. “They’ve made this space their own, which is critical—especially for those with autism or other sensitivities.”

A Sensory-Friendly Space with Heart

While BRO’s Water Street location is known for its lively atmosphere, the new Commerce Avenue space is designed to be calmer and quieter. It features softer lighting, a sensory room with bubble tanks and LED lights, and easier access for clients with mobility challenges.

Still, the core mission remains unchanged. “The day looks the same: we start with coffee, we do something active, and then we engage with the world around us,” Wolfe said.

The new location also keeps BRO clients close to restaurants, parks, and shopping areas, making community involvement both convenient and consistent.

Powered by Community Support

The new facility was made possible thanks to donors, volunteers, and generous community partners. The Foundation Builders Campaign raised $20,000, while the Rotary Club of Warren County donated $16,000 from its 2024 Boots and Bourbon event. Combined with other contributions, BRO launched the space with $42,000 in fundraising—without drawing on the $100,000 line of credit they had secured for the project.

Wolfe gave special thanks to Mary Anne and Joe Biggs, longtime supporters of BRO who stepped in to help during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained committed to the mission ever since.

“They’ve made community connections for us and just been there for everything,” Wolfe said.

A Model for Inclusive Care

With plans to hire additional staff over the next 18 months and room for further growth, BRO is positioning itself as a model for inclusive, community-based care. And for Wolfe, the work remains deeply personal.

“This has been a lifelong dream,” she said during the ribbon-cutting. “And it’s only possible because of the people standing here today—the town, the county, our supporters, and most importantly, our friends.”

As Front Royal Mayor Lori Cockrell put it: “This is a true blessing for our community. BRO 2.0 is not just a new space—it’s a sign of what can happen when a community comes together.”