BRIDGETON — State and local government officials and community leaders joined Community Health Care in announcing they will be transforming the abandoned Irving Avenue School House into the Bridgeton Family Center for Health.

The restored and modernized facility which will provide state-of-the-art medical and behavioral health services to over 4,000 children and families living in the Bridgeton area each year.

Considered an historic landmark, which was built in the 19th century as a place for children to learn, it will soon open its doors again, this time as a place where children and families can grow healthy and strong.

Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal stimulus program, the major project entails a complete interior reconstruction of the first floor of the old school house at 265 Irving Ave.

The school was built in the late 1800s by the people of Bridgeton and is listed in Bridgeton’s historical registry. The building was operational until recent years when it closed its doors for good.

Community Health Care bought the building from the city of Bridgeton in 2009 after CHC president and CEO Gil Walter envisioned returning the vacant historical building to its former glory.

“I’ve lived in Bridgeton for 10 years and have driven past this building a thousand times” Walter says. “I’ve dreamed about turning this abandoned historical monument into a thriving place for children and families.”

While the first phase of the construction will entail a complete reconstruction of the main floor, Community Health Care has hopes to raise funds to eventually renovate the second floor to provide fitness, recreational and cultural programs for children and young people.

N.J. Assemblyman John Burzichelli was on hand to assist in the groundbreaking and accept an award on behalf of N.J. Senate President Stephen Sweeney for his support of Federally Qualified Health Centers such as Community Health Care.

“It’s amazing to see this once defunct facility brought back to life through the caring and dedication of local citizens,” says Burzichelli.

“Community Health Care and other centers of its kind are an important part of the social fabric and they continue to play a major role in providing quality health care for all.”

The Bridgeton Family Center for Health is scheduled to open to the public by July of this year.

For more information or to make an appointment at one of Community Health Care’s medical and dental centers, call (856) 451-4700.