USDA Rural Development: Schmitt Woodland Hills opens doors to new state of the art expansion

Contact: Kelly Edwards | (715) 340.1264 | kelly.edwards@wi.usda.gov

RICHLAND CENTER, WI – August 22, 2015 – – – Since 1964, Schmitt Woodland Hills has serving the residents of Richland Center and neighboring communities. Today, they celebrated the grand opening of their new state-of-the-art skilled nursing facility with expanded services and up-grades that will better serve those needing their services.

Due to an increase in the need for specialized care in the area, there has been a skilled care bed shortage in Richland County. This new 50 bed facility, which is an expansion for Schmitt Woodland Hills, will help to accommodate the increased needs of area residents and to the fill the gap for skilled nursing care.

“We must not forget the fact that projects like these reflect how we value the people of our communities,” said USDA Rural Development Wisconsin Community Programs Director, Brian Deaner. “This new facility shows that our seniors and those living with disabilities matter to us. The expansion of services is vital to this community and gives seniors the opportunity to live in an environment which offers the highest quality of care. It sends a message that the Richland Center area respects its seniors, and is about building community. Today we celebrate the work of all who made this expansion and new state-of-the-art facility possible. I commend all who contributed to this project and wish you much success.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development awarded Schmitt Woodland Hills a $7.2 million Direct Loan through the Agency’s Community Facilities Program to help with project costs. The project will also be financed through traditional lending mechanisms, with AgStar Financial.

Schmitt Woodland Hills has been a resource for people in Richland Center and the surrounding communities for nearly half a century providing services and support at some of the most important and transitional times in people’s lives. People want to maintain their independence for as long as possible and Schmitt Woodland Hill’s continuum of care enables people to age in place with supports changing as needs require it.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As the lead federal agency for rural development needs, USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, infrastructure, community development, health, education, homeownership and affordable rental housing to improve the lives of people in rural areas and the economic health of rural communities. During the last year, the agency has assisted nearly 9,000 families and businesses in more than 100 communities, investing more than $571 million into rural Wisconsin through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants. Further information on USDA Rural Development is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting the web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/wi.