Construction is underway on a new group day support facility, located just north of Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester. According to Patrizia Nesbitt, administrator for the facility owned by SOLA, Inc., the center will specialize in high-intensity care for the disabled and elderly.

The facility’s purpose is two-fold. It will provide a break to families and caregivers of those in need, Nesbitt said. It will also provide opportunities for individuals to acquire independent skills, social skills, peer interaction, community engagement and transportation. “These skills are essential for the individual to achieve a better quality of life of becoming independent and self-sufficient,” she said.

For the past 18 years, Nesbitt has been a part of starting residential group homes in Gloucester. After she got into it, she said she noticed there was a great need for daytime support services in the community. “I thought it was important to build a day support cent...