A center for people with disabilities in Williamsport is moving on up in a big way. Its new location is not far from the old one but it is a whole lot larger; four times bigger than the old building.

The Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living has moved into its new home in Williamsport. The center plans to offer more ways for people with disabilities to live on their own.

Frances Lombardo wheeled through the former furniture outlet on East Third Street in Williamsport. All around her the new Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living was taking shape. "With more space, they could hire more people. It just snowballs into a good thing, I'm glad it came to become all it did," said Lombardo.

The center is three spacious floors of services for folks with disabilities. Executive director Renee Sluzalis said moving out of the old building and into the former E.F.O. building next door will allow the center to help hundreds of people stay in their homes.

"We're looking forward to seeing more and more consumers coming in now with the added space, before it was difficult," said Sluzalis. "We will now have a computer training lab where we can help people learn some vocational skills to get them back into the workplace."

Crews are busy building a kitchen where the disabled can learn how to cook and do laundry.

Shawn Starr suffered a stroke five years ago and is unable to speak. She will be giving cooking lessons in the new kitchen, she said, in hopes of making others as independent as she is.

Meanwhile, Frances Lombardo said the best part about the new location is the bus stop right out front. "Now that it's right off the Mulberry and Third Street intersection I'll use it!" Lombardo added.

She said she is also very excited for the fitness center in the works for the new location, paid for with grant money.

Now the only thing left to do is fill all that space with furniture and people.