BOWLING GREEN — The Barren River Area Development District and Warren County Fiscal Court have secured $850,000 in grant funding to construct a new facility for the Buddy House, home of Down Syndrome of Southcentral Kentucky.

The current Buddy House, located on State Street in Bowling Green, serves 219 families across a 14-county region through programming and support services provided by the nonprofit organization, commonly known as DSSKY.

DSSKY Executive Director Stephanie Morton said about 15 families from Barren County are served by the nonprofit.

The new Buddy House will span roughly 8,000 square feet across two stories and is expected to increase accessibility while providing additional space for educational programming, community engagement and daily activities.

The new facility will be located at 362 Great Escape Court in Bowling Green.

DSSKY serves individuals of all ages born with Down syndrome, offering educational services, support information and community activities for families throughout southcentral Kentucky.

“Projects like this strengthen our community by promoting inclusion, enhancing quality of life for all residents, and reinforcing Warren County’s commitment to being the best place in America for families,” said Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman. “We look forward to the positive impact this new facility will have for years to come.”

DSSKY Executive Director Stephanie Morton said the organization is eager to begin construction and expand services.

“I am beyond humbled and honored that the grantees saw the potential of our organization and its need for a new facility,” Morton said. “I simply cannot wait to break ground and serve southern Kentucky in a bigger and better way.”