March 29, 2024

Progress Industries thankful for first responders, community support

All four occupants escaped from Monday blaze unharmed

Less than 24 hours after an incident that led to a great deal of adjustments, Progress Industries announced all clients involved are safe — and expressed gratitude for everyone who helped make that happen.

Progress Industries, a nonprofit organization that provides various services for people with physical and intellectual disabilities, offers housing as one of its services. A Progress house at 1550 W. Eighth St. S. caught fire Monday afternoon, and might be damaged beyond repair.

There were two clients and two “direct support professionals” inside the house at the time the fire began, but all four were able to exit before the fire spread to the main part of the house. The fire quickly spread to the front of the house, and continued to burn a hole through the roof, even after fire crews had arrived.

Progress Industries Communications Director Melissa Butler said the clients have all been found temporary places to stay.

“Progress Industries expresses gratitude to first responders who assisted in extinguishing and containing a fire at a residential site owned by the PI Foundation,” Butler said. “All five residents have secured temporary housing at other PI residential locations, or with family members.”

Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik said Tuesday morning the cause of the fire is still undetermined. Monday was the first day of spring break week for Newton-area students, and the 3:45 p.m. call to W. Eighth St. S. was one of many fire calls the Newton Fire Department has received in recent days.

Butler thanked the Newton, Kellogg and Reasnor fire departments, Jasper County Sheriff’s Department and Newton Police Department who all assisted at the fire.

Jim Merulla, President and CEO of Progress Industries, said it isn’t immediately clear what will happen with the damaged home.

“The damage to the home is extensive,” Merulla said. “We will have more information in the near future as to the repair or replacement of the home.”

Murella said the five clients were living at the house through the Home and Community Based Services residential program. Two residents and two PI staff were at the home when the fire broke out and Murella said staff responded appropriately by immediately calling 911 and evacuating the premises to ensure the safety of the clients.

“This event, though traumatic, could have been much worse,” Merulla said. “I am so grateful that no one was injured. I‘m proud of our staff who performed exemplary.”

Several neighbors told the Newton Daily News they saw or heard what was happening, and came over to ensure everyone got out of the house.

Merulla said Progress Industries is not attempting to quickly decide, autonomously, the best course of action for each of its displaced clients.

“We are working closely with the Department of Human Services and family members to ensure that the individuals continue to receive the quality of support and services they have become accustomed to,” he said.

Butler said her office was deluged Tuesday with offers of goods and services for the clients, but her hope is that people will wait for Progress Industries to announce client needs if they want to making specific types of donations.

The Newton Daily News also received several inquires — especially through social media — from readers about how to help the affected clients.

“The outpouring of support and donated items from the community has been overwhelming.,” Butler said. “Individuals and businesses who would like to contribute may do so through the PI Foundation Persons Served Benefit Fund.”

Contributions can be made online at www.progressindustries.org or by contacting Melissa Butler at 641-791-2846.

“With grateful hearts, we thank the members of our community ... neighbors and friends,” Butler said.

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com