The first group home for women was opened in 1977 by the Licking County Council for Retarded Children. As with the men’s home, Jane Marsh was the program director and Glenn Abel designed the plans for the renovations. Eight women were now offered an opportunity to live in the community. The Licking County Board opened two group homes in 1980, one for six men on 21st Street, and one for six women on Church Street, both in Newark.