ORLANDO, Fla. — A local non-profit organization has taken the first step towards a plan to build an entire community in Central Florida for people with special needs.
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Marie Kuck and her Husband Tim are the founders of Nathaniel’s Hope, a group that works to serve kids with disabilities. It’s named for their son who passed away when he was just four years old after he was born with medical needs.
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The Kucks recently acquired more than 170 acres of land off of State Road 417 near State Road 528 where they hope to develop a community for other kids with disabilities and their families.
“We just closed on the property,” Marie said. “We hope to develop a community that will serve families impacted by disability, from kids through adults.”
The BIG ANNOUNCEMENT is here!!! Tim and Marie Kuck, Co-Founders of Nathaniel's Hope share the BIG NEWS! www.NathanielsHope.org/hopetown
Posted by Nathaniel's Hope on Monday, February 14, 2022
The Kucks say their son underwent numerous surgeries in his brief life. They say they realized his death wasn’t the end, but the beginning of an opportunity to help others in his honor.
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The community they’ve dubbed “Hopetown” is a part of that plan, more than 20 years later.
“We hope to have residential facilities here,” Marie said. “We hope to have employment training and job opportunities.”
The Kucks say the land is paid for right now. The next step will be building everything from the ground up.
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“It’s going to take millions to make this happen,” Kuck said. “We are developing. We have a master plan.”
The Kucks haven’t said when they’re planning to break ground on Hopetown. They say their focus for now is developing a plan and finding community partners to help make it a reality.
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