Nearly two years after the closure of the Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, another senior-focused operation has set up shop in the center’s Kennewick building. 

Owner Eli Romashchuk and his nephew, Ben Rakhmestryuk, launched Kamiakin Haven Adult Family Home at 628 N. Arthur St. in April. It’s a small live-in facility providing 24/7 care with specialties in mental health and dementia. 

Formerly a homebuilder, Romashchuk decided to change course after the death of his father about a year and a half ago. He wanted to provide something that older adults need, and his sister, who runs an adult family home in West Richland, encouraged him to pursue one. 

Edith Bishel Center

After nearly 30 years of operation, the Edith Bishel Center closed at the end of August 2024, putting its building up for sale in the process.

The center provided aid to the blind and visually impaired, from low-vision exams and reading assistance to social activities and support groups.

The Covid-19 pandemic had impacted the nonprofit, which also lost a state contract, and the center was operating on a tight budget for several years. By the time it dissolved, the nonprofit had only one employee. 

In 2025, the Edith Bishel Fund for the Blind and Visually Impaired was established, to be overseen by 3 Rivers Community Foundation. The fund ensures that the blind and visually impaired who have financial need can access assistance for medical expenses, equipment and more. 

Now the building belonging to the Edith Bishel Center is starting a new chapter of its own. 

Kamiakin Haven

Romashchuk bought the property for $425,000 in October 2024. Between the building purchase and extensive renovations, he spent more than $1 million, he said, investing his own money into the project and working on the building himself.

The result is a six-bedroom adult family home, outfitted with a kitchen, wide hallways suitable for wheelchairs and large showers. Just across the street from the home is Kamiakin High School, a location that Romashchuk said was what pushed him to buy the property.

He said residents get to see a neighborhood and kids heading to school. 

Currently, three people are in residence at the 3,154-square-foot Kamiakin Haven. The home is staffed by three people in addition to Romashchuk and Rakhmestryuk. The staff include a nurse to oversee medication management, and Romashchuk is a licensed home care aide. 

The career shift from homebuilder to home care aide may seem to have come out of left field, but Romashchuk said the work has been “more rewarding” because he gets to help people.

That feeling of warmth and caring for others is what formed the basis of Kamiakin Haven. As an adult family home, it’s much smaller than assisted living facilities or nursing homes, creating a tight-knit community. 

“We want to have people that are happy,” he said. 

Romashchuk hopes to begin building a second adult family home on the current location’s parking lot in two years to expand operations. 

Kamiakin Haven takes both Medicaid and private pay, and residents pay on a monthly basis, Romashchuk said.

While Kamiakin Haven doesn’t have a website, those interested can get in contact at [email protected] or by calling Romashchuk at 509-551-6474.