After a two-month hiatus, the Bollinger Campus of the Barber National Institute is back in business.

The campus — which serves adults with disabilities — re-opened for community participation programs last week.

“We had been receiving calls every day from adults and their families who missed their friends and the activities that they love,” Kim Nowell, program manager, said. “You could really feel the excitement in the air last week. It was a great feeling to see everyone so happy to return.”

The North Warren location had been closed since Dec. 7 as a result of COVID-19 case counts in the community.

“We are planning activities to meet the interests and the comfort levels of the adults and their families,” said Nowell. “Our adults and families have been eagerly anticipating this reopening, and our staff has been very happy to be able to welcome them back.”

A total of 24 adults returned to services during the first week, with more expected to return over the coming month.

Several other services continued during the CPS temporary closure, with 25 adults in the Small Group Employment Program fulfilling cleaning contracts at area businesses and government agencies, and 20 adults continuing to receive In-Home and Community Supports to meet needs in the home setting.

“We continue to closely monitor the weekly infection rate that is tracked by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Health and will provide services as safely as possible,” Nowell said. “For the adults and their families this reopening is a positive step to safely reconnect with important aspects of their lives.”

With the reduction in the infection rate over the past month, the program reopening enables participants to take part in a wide variety of opportunities, including job exploration, social and work skill development, arts and crafts, exercise classes and arts and crafts. In addition, a small number of activities in less crowded, open areas in the community are being made available.