Author: Sarah Young Perkins, Office of Communications
The Veterans Life Center, a residential program designed to improve the lives of veterans who are experiencing reintegration problems after serving in the military, held a grand opening on Aug. 1. The facility provides temporary housing and services to help veterans achieve self-reliance.
Located in Butner, the 9.5-acre hillside lot features scattered old-growth oak trees. The center is located less than three miles from the South Campus of Vance-Granville Community College where the residents can receive vocational training to help prepare them for life after leaving the center.
It is adjacent to the R.J. Blackley Center, a DHHS-operated substance abuse treatment center, and about a half-mile from Central Regional Hospital, a mental health care facility also operated by DHHS.
The Veterans Life Center will help guide the residents in seeking career opportunities and community reintegration by strengthening their mental and physical health, improving their life skills and providing vocational training. The services provided by this facility will help to avert crises such as homelessness, incarceration, suicide and premature death.
The facility cost $8.3 million to build and funding came from a community development block grant within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
DHHS’ Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services will provide funding to support the mental health resources.
Other operational funding will come from state and federal governments, and from private sources including foundations, corporations and individuals. DHHS’ Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities will provide support collaboration through the R.J. Blackley Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center.
At full capacity, the facility will have more than 100 beds, mostly in double rooms, with showers and bathroom facilities in each of the four wings. Facility features include:
- Full commercial kitchen with a dining room
- Large multipurpose room
- Day rooms
- Library
- Computer lab
- Conference room
- Physical fitness room
- Store
- First aid room
- Laundry rooms