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Community Healing Centers Improves Accessibility and Security with Special-Lite Entrance Systems
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| Aug 20, 2026 |
Key Takeaways
- Community Healing Centers serves over 3,500 individuals in Southwest Michigan, focusing on trauma-informed care for various challenges.
- The organization faced issues with accessibility and security in its aging building, leading to difficulties for clients and staff.
- A partnership with Special-Lite initiated a comprehensive modernization project, improving access with ADA-compliant entrances and electronic key card systems.
- Improvements enhanced accessibility for all visitors, strengthened security, and increased operational efficiency for staff.
- Community Healing Centers credits the project’s success to Special-Lite’s collaborative approach and expertise in meeting their needs.
Community Healing Centers is a nonprofit organization serving Southwest Michigan. It provides trauma-informed care and support for children, families, and adults affected by child abuse, substance use disorders, addiction, and mental and behavioral health challenges. In 2025, it served more than 3,500 individuals across Kalamazoo County and surrounding communities.
The organization’s primary location, the Elizabeth Upjohn Community Healing Center in Kalamazoo, has served the community for decades and is the central hub for many of its programs and services. The building itself dates to the 1940s.
Carol’s Hope, in St. Joseph, MI, is also part of the organization, serving the Berrien County community by providing support for individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Challenge
As the Community Healing Center team evaluated its facility needs, leadership recognized two significant opportunities for improvement: accessibility and security.
The older facility lacked many accessibility features including automatic door operators and ADA-compliant entrances. Staff members, visitors, and clients often encountered difficulties entering and navigating the building, particularly those with mobility challenges.
At the same time, the organization relied on traditional keyed entry systems throughout much of the facility. Managing physical keys for dozens of staff members created administrative challenges, while limited access control made it difficult to monitor building access and respond to security concerns.
“We were behind in terms of accessibility and security upgrades,” said Alyssa Crittenden, Chief Development Officer at Community Healing Centers. “We wanted to make sure our building was as welcoming and accessible as possible for the people we serve while also improving safety and convenience for our staff.”
The Solution
Through a partnership with Special-Lite, Community Healing Centers undertook a comprehensive entrance modernization project at its main facility.
The project included replacement of exterior entrances and framing systems with Special-Lite door systems, ADA-compliant automatic door operators, electronic access control, and key card entry systems.
Special attention was given to the Children’s Advocacy Center, a program serving children and families impacted by abuse that is part of the Healing Centers. The upgraded access control system added an additional layer of security while simplifying access for authorized staff members.
Throughout the planning process, Special-Lite and project partners worked closely with staff to understand how the building functioned and identify solutions that balanced accessibility, security, and day-to-day operational needs.
A gray door with a window and card reader—highlighting enhanced security and modern entrance systems—is set in a brick wall under a green awning, with a black doormat on the concrete step.
The Results
The improvements delivered immediate benefits for both visitors and staff.
Improved Accessibility
Automatic door operators and ADA-compliant entrances make the facility easier to access for clients, visitors, and staff. What was once a barrier for many visitors is now a seamless experience that reflects the organization’s commitment to serving all members of the community.
Enhanced Security
The transition from traditional keys to electronic key card access provides greater control over building access and improved accountability. Administrators can now easily manage permissions and identify building activity when needed.
Increased Operational Efficiency
Staff members no longer need to manage large key rings or memorize multiple access codes. The centralized access system simplifies daily operations while reducing administrative burdens associated with lost keys and security management.
Modernized Facility Infrastructure
Beyond solving immediate challenges, the project brought the facility’s entrance systems and access controls up to current standards, positioning the organization for future growth and operational efficiency.
Community Healing Centers credits Special-Lite’s collaborative approach and expertise as key to the project’s success.
“The team took the time to understand our needs and help us think through the best solutions,” said Crittenden. “They brought a lot of knowledge and practical recommendations throughout the process. From planning to installation, we felt confident that the project was being handled well and that we were being taken care of.”
She added that the project has made a meaningful impact on both the client experience and staff operations.
“Accessibility was the original goal, but the security and technology upgrades have been just as valuable. The improvements help us better serve our community while making our facility safer and more efficient for everyone who works here.”
Download a PDF of this case study.
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