CLI opens new training facility

It was a ceremony full of smiles as the Center for Living Independently opened its new Commonwealth Disability Training Center last Friday on Capital Hill.

Many dignitaries, including Lt Gov. David M Apatang, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Blas Camacho, as well as dozens of community members were present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which caps the project after a four-year wait. The $800,000 project was funded by the Office of Insular Affairs through the CNMI Capital Improvement Program.

The training center itself features training rooms, a staff office, a back patio, an American with Disabilities Act-compliant kitchen, bathrooms, and a covered walkway connecting to the Center for Living Independently office.

“With this new building, we can introduce more consumers to see the CLI program,” said CLI board president Ermiterio Fitial. “With its many upgraded facilities, we will be a one-stop training center for individuals with disabilities to learn the necessary skills needed to be independent, such as cleaning around their homes, planting and tending to the garden, or even cooking in the kitchen.”

CLI executive director Susan Satur echoed his excitement: “This building is going to impact so many lives. We are going to have a real training facility here in the CNMI.” She thanked all partners in making the facility a reality.

CLI consumer Stephen Sablan shared his excitement for the new facility, “I am so happy that this building is open. Thank you to director Sue, the board of directors, everybody! Thank you to you guys!” he said “[The building] is going to help us get trained and work with a lot of consumers. Thank you, guys! Thank you, thank you.”

The training facility also features a bust of former U.S. president John F Kennedy, courtesy of the Saipan Mayor’s Office. According to Camacho, the Kennedy monument had been taken off display for a while. After finding it and having it refurbished and redesigned, the Saipan Mayor’s Office donated the monument to CLI to be displayed at the new training facility, especially since the late president was an advocate for individuals with disabilities.

Members of the Center for Living Independently and dignitaries including Lt Gov. David M Apatang and Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Blas Camacho cut the ribbon to open CLI’s new training facility on Capital Hill last Friday.

-CHRYSTAL MARINO

Students take a picture next beside the recently unveiled John F. Kennedy monument at the Center for Living Independently’s new training facility grand opening ceremony last Friday on Capital Hill.

-CHRYSTAL MARINO

Guests helped themselves to the refreshments that were served after the Center for Living Independently’s new training facility grand opening ceremony last Friday on Capital Hill.

-CHRYSTAL MARINO

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CLI opens new training facility

It was a ceremony full of smiles as the Center of Living Independently opened its new Commonwealth Disability Training Center last Friday on Capitol Hill.

Many dignitaries, including Lt Governor David M Apatang, Mayor Ramon Blas Camacho, as well as dozens of community memebers were present for the ribbon cutting.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was a joyous occasion for both administrators and consumers as the four year waiting span had come to an end. The $800,000 project was funded by the Office of Insular Affairs through the CNMI Capital Improvement Program. The training center itself, features training rooms, a staff office, a back patio, ADA-compliant kitchen, bathrooms, and covered walkway connecting to the Center for Living independently.

CLI board president Ermiterio Fitial said, “With this new building, we can introduce more consumers to see CLI program. With its many upgraded facilities where we will be one stop training center for individuals with disabilities to learn the necessary skills needed to be independent, such as cleaning around their homes, planting and tending to the garden, or even cooking in the kitchens.”

And CLI executive director Susan Satur echoed his excitment, “… this building is going to impact so many lives. We are going to have a real training facility here in the CNMI.” she thanked all partners in making the facility a reality.

CLI consumer Stephen Sablan talked to the media and shared his excitement for the new facility ” I am so happy that this building is open. Thank you to director Sue, the board of directors, everybody! Thank you to you guys!” he said ” [The building] is going to help us get trained, working with a lot of consumers. Thank you guys, thank you, thank you.”

The new training facility is also featuring the John F Kennedy bust curtesy of the Office of the Mayor. According to Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas Camacho, the monument of the late President John F. Kennedy had been taken off display for a while. After finding it and having it refurbished and redesigned, the Saipan Mayor’s Office wanted to donate the monument to be on display at CLI as a new training facility. Especially since the late president had been an adcovate of individuals suffering a disability.