Fort Madison, IA – Lee County residents with mental health and other developmental disabilities will soon have a new place to go to socialize. CPC Administrator Ryanne Wood says the county's new drop-in center will be located at 605 7th Street in Fort Madison.
The county has been search for a new location for more than a year because the owner of the current facility on Avenue H is trying to sell the property.
Wood says the 1660 square-foot facility is twice the size of the current center. She says it will include a kitchen, a library, several computers, a dining room, and a recreation area.
Wood says 15-23 residents use the center on a daily basis. She projects an additional 10 per day because of the extra space.
The Lee County Board of Supervisors has approved a 5-year lease of the property, pending legal approval. Issues such as an opt-out clause and liability are being finalized.
Wood says that if all goes according to plan, the new drop-in center will be open on May 6.
The monthly rent will be $700-dollars + utilities. Wood says the utility bills should go down because the building is occupied by several other businesses.
She says the Lee County Drop-In Center actually saves the county money because the social setting reduces the need for hospitalization or specialized care for some residents with mental health and other developmental disabilities.