Tag: 18027529

CARY, N.C. (WTVD) — The Lucy Daniels Center is expanding its footprint in the Triangle. The nonprofit received about $900,000 in federal funding for the multi-million-dollar expansion project, which will nearly triple the nonprofit’s size.

The goal is for families to have one place to meet multiple needs when it comes to mental health.

“Clinicians have a chance to come here and train here and learn how to do this kind of in-depth, thoughtful work with young children,” said Lucy Daniels Center Executive Director Emily Odjaghian.

“(I’m) not just proud, but surprised,” said Founder Lucy Daniels. “It’s really amazing and I’m glad I did it, but I was thinking about individual children. I didn’t know it became a big thing like this.”

Daniels is 91 years old. She says at an early age, she developed an eating disorder.

“It was terrible,” said Daniels.

Daniels says her family didn’t know how to truly help and they committed her to a hospital hundreds of miles away.

“I was hospitalized for four years,” said Daniels.

The experience left her feeling isolated.

“I was so impaired by being locked up like that,” said Daniels.

When she eventually came into some money later in life, Daniels was determined to help others fighting their own battles.

She set up a foundation bearing her name.

“I learned that our problems are the roots of our power,” said Daniels. “Dealing with your problems helps you grow.”

The Lucy Daniels Center broke ground more than 35 years ago.

The new wing will allow the nonprofit to reach more than 1,500 children each year.

Staff will be able to add speech and psychological therapy, onsite testing, and also train more professionals.

Jordan Bodner’s twin daughters are now 22-years-old and in college.

“We were pretty, pretty desperate when they were young,” he said.

Bodner is among the many families thankful a place like this exists.

“It’s just been wonderful. They just they were so understanding and worked with them,” he said.

Construction should take about nine months. The new wing is expected to open fall of next year.