WACO, Texas (FOX 44) – The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network is nearly $50,000 richer!
The Cooper Foundation voted on March 23 to approve a $49,950 grant to the HOTBHN for roof repairs at its 2010 LaSalle Avenue facility in Waco. The facility houses the Veterans One Stop and Behavioral Justice Programs.
“The purpose of the proposed capital project is to ensure the continuation of established services by maintaining adequate facilities, specifically roof repair,” said Melinda Bonds, Associate Director of Behavioral Health Services for HOTBHN. “Over the past three years, damage as significant as decking replacement and interior ceiling repair has been required in four different areas. Shingles strewn about the parking area indicate vulnerability to weather and further damage.”
Bonds went on to say that roof replacement is critical to avoid even more costly future repairs and replacement. Support from the Cooper Foundation for roof repair will allow valuable services to continue and stop any further damage to the roof.
The HOTBHN says that successful completion of this project will impact Waco to include – the continuation of over 12,000 annual services provided at the Veterans One Stop and services to approximately 3,600 individuals annually in McLennan County through the Behavioral Justice Center (BJC).
“Prevention and intervention services at the Veterans One Stop, including crisis intervention and suicide prevention, have resulted in decreased suicides in the community,” Bonds added. “The national suicide rate for veterans continues to be 17.3 per day, while Texas is at 1.44 veterans who die by suicide per day. The Veterans One Stop clinical staff know of 32 suicide preventions in a five-year period; however, this is likely a conservative amount reported.
“BJC programs impact the recidivism rate, which is at most 11%. Texas’s recidivism rate for the general population is 20.3%, almost double that amount nationally. Without a doubt, these programs have a positive impact on Waco and its citizens. Thanks to the Cooper Foundation, these great HOTBHN services will continue,” Bonds said.
The HOTBHN says that the Cooper Foundation was founded in 1943 as a tribute to Madison A. Cooper and Martha Roane Cooper – with a vision of making Waco a better and more desirable city to live. It has contributed over $32 million to fulfill its mission.
The HOTBHN says it is honored to partner with the Cooper Foundation to help consumers with the needed repairs.