Press Releases
For Immediate Release
FROM: Linda Anderson Smith
Public Relations Director
Champaign Residential Services, Inc.
1150 Scioto Street
Urbana, Ohio 43078
937-653-1324
lsmith@crsi-oh.com
Date: January 11, 2010
RE: Ben-El to Close
After over 20 years of providing community mental health services, Ben-El Child and Family Center will close its doors effective March 31. Ben-El currently has offices at 1150 Scioto Street, Suite 200 in Urbana and 1600 S. Main Street in Bellefontaine. Both locations will continue to provide client services through March 31.
"This has been a very difficult decision for both the Board of Trustees and management." says Laura Baxter, director of Ben-El. "However, the uncertainty of the economy and the budget cuts at the state and local levels have made it difficult for mental health agencies to maintain services all over Ohio."
Ben-El Child and Family Center originated in West Liberty as a means to provide mental health support for those in foster care at Adriel. It has continued to provide community mental health services in both Champaign and Logan counties as well as Union, Madison, Miami, Shelby, Clark and Auglaize counties.
Ben-El has built a solid reputation for providing services for young children, teens and their families. It has been at the forefront in providing services and supports for children with autism and their families; and has provided supports, interventions and consultation services for early childhood mental health.
Parenting classes using the "Incredible Years" program will continue through March for those with children ages 0 to 6. All clients currently receiving services from Ben-El will be assisted with a transition plan to another qualified provider of their choice, according to Baxter.
In 2004, Ben-El collaborated with Champaign Residential Services, Inc. (CRSI) to include mental health services for individuals with developmental disabilities; and has been a very active member of Ohio's Combined Center of Excellence (CCOE) for Dual Diagnosis and the National Association for Dual Diagnosis (NADD). Services currently provided for individuals with developmental disabilities will continue through March 31st and each person will be assisted with a transition plan to another qualified provider of their choice.
Baxter adds, "Members of the Ben-El staff have been dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of our community. Their professional efforts and loyalty are beyond compare as they have worked diligently with me to keep our doors open through many challenges over the years. The staff provides expertise and quality services and it saddens me that economic conditions are such that we cannot fiscally support the demand and need for these services."