The members of the Shady Rest Home Committee met with Gregg Erickson and his wife, Kelly, to go over the business plan for a proposed addiction recovery program at the county-owned Shady Rest Home in Plymouth.
The business plan outlined expenditures and revenues and more information about a structured recovery program for drug or alcohol offenders recommended to the program by Marshall County Community Corrections. The program, called “David’s Choice”, would assist recovering addicts for six to nine months on getting a job, completing treatment, conducting community service, and obtaining other life and job skills.
Those wanting to seek assistance may apply to be in a program, but the detoxification process must be complete before the applicant is considered to stay at the facility. This would include veterans who may be experiencing the need to make a life choice.
Erickson explained that they would be installing a $35,000 security system complete with cameras, and installing secure doors that will cost in the neighborhood of $42,000. There are also plans for a fire alarm system and sprinkler system with a total cost of $10,000.
Several neighbors to the facility attended Tuesday afternoon’s meeting and discussed their concerns about the type of clients that will be occupying the facility and security measures to keep the neighborhood safe. Community Corrections Director Ward Byers explained that these would be low risk offenders who are carefully screened to be in the community corrections program. They would evaluate the offenders and direct them to the program as part of their rehabilitation through Community Corrections.
The committee has not made any formal decisions on allowing this program to move forward, but a favorable program has been presented. Discussions surrounding how the property could be transferred will be in more detail soon.
A public meeting to gather comment on concerns or questions about the program proposed to occupy the Shady Rest Home will be held Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. in the commissioner’s meeting room on the second floor in the Marshall County Building on Jefferson Street in Plymouth.
