Monroe, NC– May 3, 2023. The Union County Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony today at Union Diversified Industries, Inc. (UDI) for grand opening of The Susan Moenter Center For Independence.  The Susan Moenter Center For Independence is designed to be a real life training area for individuals with developmental disabilities to learn, practice, and maintain the necessary skills to become more independent in their activities of daily living in a home environment.

“We are delighted to have The Susan Moenter Center For Independence on our campus in Monroe, NC.  The need for a real life setting for adults with developmental disabilities to receive training has existed for as long as I have been in this field.  Many times, individuals don’t have the adequate space or resources available for them to acquire and maintain the necessary skills to be independent.  The Susan Moenter Center For Independence aims to meet that need.  An adult with developmental disabilities can attend classes to either learn or enhance their abilities as it relates to independent living,” said UDI’s Chief Executive Officer David Casper.

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony included remarks by the Union County Chamber President Pat Kahle, City of Monroe Mayor Marion Holloway, UDI Board President Sheila Crunkleton, UDI Board Member Ellen Vilas, and UDI Chief Executive Officer David Casper.  Attendees toured The Susan Moenter Center For Independence and enjoyed a catered lunch afterwards.  Smiles were big, hearts were full, and a new level of personal growth was on the horizon for the individuals receiving services at UDI.

UDI would like to thank the community members, including United States Congressman Dan Bishop of North Carolina, for their support and attendance to celebrate this monumental occasion.  UDI would also like to thank Ron and Ellen Vilas for their generosity to make The Susan Moenter Center For Independence a lasting legacy in honor of Ellen’s recently deceased sister Susan Moenter (pronounced Mentor).

About Susan Moenter

Susan Deborah Moenter was born in Fremont, NE during a thunderstorm on August 20, 1951 to Evelyn and Richard Moenter.  She moved to Storm Lake, IA in 1964 where she finished her schooling and began her working career at the Red Barn Work Activity Center.  She later moved to Webster, NY in 1983 where she worked for the Al Sigl Center in Irondequoit.  She finally settled in Monroe, NC in 1993 before joining UDI in 1994 to receive services and work in UDI’s pre-vocational contracts.  She retired from UDI after over 18 years of service and work.  During her time at UDI, Susan gained independence when she moved out of a family caregiver’s home for the first time to Elizabethan Gardens.  Unfortunately, last November Susan passed away.  To continue Susan’s story, Ron and Ellen Vilas generously contributed to make The Susan Moenter Center For Independence a place where others can attain new heights of independence.

About Union Diversified Industries

UDI offers a variety of behavioral health services and employs individuals across varying abilities.  UDI works with multiple managed care organizations to provide services in the homes of individuals, in the surrounding community, and in its 40,000 plus square foot corporate office and facility.

If you or anyone you know with a developmental disability needs additional support personally or vocationally, please reach out to UDI.  They are a premier provider of services and maintain the highest possible accreditation from CARF International, an accreditation organization for service providers across the world.

About the Union County Chamber of Commerce

The Union County Chamber exists to ensure everyone who does business or lives in Union County enjoys a thriving local economy and excellent quality of life.  They champion business growth and business prosperity throughout Union County.  With a full calendar of opportunities, any business is fortunate to be connected with the Chamber.

Media Contact: David Casper, Chief Executive Officer (david.casper@udincorg or 704-289-1571)