Lexington Foundation receives donation of historic Johnstown building – July 29

Lexington Foundation receives donation of historic Johnstown building

JOHNSTOWN – The Arc Lexington Foundation recently announced that it has received a donation of the historic Willing Helpers’ Home in Johnstown. This 10,000-square-foot landmark will be transformed into modern, supportive housing for students enrolled in the nationally recognized Transitions program, which serves young adults with autism and learning differences.

The gift was made possible by the Willing Helpers Home Board of Directors, with generous support from the James H. Knox Foundation.

“We are so grateful to the Willing Helpers and the Knox Foundation for this incredible act of generosity and vision,” said Shaloni Winston, CEO of The Arc Lexington. “Together, we are preserving a piece of Johnstown’s history while creating life-changing opportunities for young people in our community.”

“The decision to close Willing Helpers’ was a very difficult and painful decision for our Board of Managers, given its 114-year history of providing a home for elderly women in need and the positive impact this had on our local community. A major objective of our Board, in its search, for a suitable charitable organization, to receive Willing Helpers’ assets was to find an organization that would use the property as a residency, maintain and improve the property and continue to honor that history and the accomplishments of Willing Helpers’ philanthropist founder, Rose Knox,” said Deborah Buck, President, Willing Helpers Board of Managers.

Buck said the Willing Helpers Board chose The Lexington Foundation because they knew The Arc Lexington, who was already assisting people in need in the community would honor the Willing Helpers objectives.

“I want to thank Shaloni Winston, CEO, Jamie Petrin, CFO, and especially Penny Rivenburg, Division Director of Transitions, for all of their support, assistance and perseverance, through this process. A special thank you to Wally Hart, who I worked with, from May 2023, for his assistance, diligence and encouragement, through this transition,” Buck said.

Repurposing the historic Willing Helpers building also benefits the greater Johnstown area by giving a new purpose to a beloved structure and reaffirming the city’s commitment to inclusion, revitalization, and opportunity.

Renovations are expected to begin in February, with students projected to move in late 2026. The Lexington Foundation is pursuing additional funding opportunities to support the renovation effort and ensure the building meets all modern accessibility and safety standards. The renovated residence will provide safe, comfortable, and accessible apartments for Transitions students, many of whom are preparing to live independently and pursue meaningful careers. 

The project comes as The Arc Lexington looks to expand its Transitions program. With a $977,000 Mohawk Valley Empowers Program grant received earlier this year, The Arc Lexington expects to serve an additional 45 students in Fulton and Schoharie counties.

“Safe and supportive housing is foundational to personal growth,” Winston said. “This new residence will help our students build life skills, confidence, and stability – all of which are essential as they transition into adulthood and become valuable members of the workforce. We are preparing them not just to live independently, but to be great employees and community contributors.”