Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living (RTFCIL), 24 E. Third St., has a temporary change to its physical office operations due to a fire alarm system update required after inspection by the City of Williamsport, according to an agency news release.

“As an independent living advocate and service provider, we believe in being open and accountable to the community we serve, especially when unexpected situations arise,” said Amy Cline, the organization’s assistive technology/marketing and development coordinator.

“Our number one priority is, and always has been, the community and the people we serve,” she stated in a news release.

“We also want to begin by saying we are truly sorry for the disruption and concern this sudden change may have caused, and we are deeply grateful for the patience, grace, and understanding shown to us,” she said.

“After more than 16 years in our Williamsport office, Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living was required to abruptly vacate our building on Jan. 22,” she said.

“This action followed notification from the city that our fire alarm system was not fully operational and needed to be brought into compliance,” Cline wrote.

“The directive came without advance notice and understandably caused an immediate disruption,” she asserted.

“We want to clearly reassure our community that there was no fire, no emergency incident, and no immediate danger to staff or the public. This situation is strictly related to equipment functionality and updated compliance requirements,” she said.

“Safety has always been and will continue to be one of our highest priorities,” Cline added.

“Over the years, we have consistently passed inspections and worked collaboratively with the Williamsport Fire Department and third-party inspectors to ensure our space meets all required standards,” she noted.

“The issue identified reflects newly implemented 2026 safety standards, which require updated system functionality beyond what was previously mandated,” she said.

“As soon as we were notified, we acted promptly and responsibly, engaging qualified professionals and working directly with city officials to address the concern as quickly as possible,” Cline remarked.

“Most importantly, while our physical office is temporarily closed, our services are not,” she said.

Roads to Freedom continues to provide all programs and supports without interruption, serving individuals with disabilities across 39 counties.

“Our staff remains fully engaged working in the community, in people’s homes, and remotely to ensure advocacy, services, and supports continue seamlessly.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this transition may cause, and we want to reassure everyone that no one has been left without support.”

Independent living is rooted in resilience, adaptability, and the belief that people should not lose access to services because of barriers, physical or otherwise, Cline said.

“Even in this challenging moment, our commitment to independence, choice, and dignity remains unwavering,” she said.

“We are incredibly thankful to our staff, consumers, partners, and community members for your trust, encouragement, and understanding during this time,” she said.

“Your support means more than we can express,” Cline said.

“We will continue to share updates as appropriate and look forward to reopening our office safely and responsibly, fully aligned with the 2026 safety standards now in effect.”