Date:

May 6, 2004

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Topher Hansen, CenterPointe Executive Director, 475-5161

Mayor Coleen J. Seng and representatives of CenterPointe broke ground today on a new facility to help those with both substance dependence and mental health issues. The building at 2601 "P" Street will house an adult residential program and the administrative offices of CenterPointe, Inc. Construction is expected to be completed next spring.

The facility will have 20 beds for transitional housing and residential treatment for adults age 19 and older. The $2.5 million project is being funded by the non-profit organization with loans and tax increment financing.

"Providing services to those dealing with drug dependency and mental illness continues to be both a priority and a challenge," said Mayor Seng. "I’m pleased the City is able to play a role in filling an important need in this community. I’m also proud to be partnering with CenterPointe, which has three decades of experience in this area. The strength of service providers like CenterPointe enhances the wonderful quality of life in Lincoln."

"This project is important to meet the strategic goals of our organization," said Topher Hansen, CenterPointe Executive Director. "The new facility also helps to address the need for expanding community-based behavioral health services in our community."
CenterPointe, Inc. was established in 1973 as the Lincoln Lancaster Drug Project, which provided an adult residential drug and alcohol treatment program. Other programs have been added since then. About 34 percent of CenterPointe’s revenues come from client fees. The rest comes mostly from federal, state and county funds. CenterPointe is also supported by the United Way.

The new facility will replace CenterPointe’s operations at 610 "J" Street. Youth residential treatment will relocate to the former Attention Center for Youth on South 10th Street. When the new facility is opened, CenterPointe’s current building at 1000 South 13th Street will house case management, outpatient services, the adult day rehabilitation program and the evening reporting center for youth. More information on CenterPointe is available at www.centerpointe.org.