MISHAWAKA, IN (WSBT) -- A former assisted living facility in Mishawaka is getting a brand-new purpose -- one aimed at tackling the ongoing addiction crisis.
A building in Mishawaka once served seniors, it soon, will serve those seeking a second chance -- with the goal of expanding local access to addiction treatment and support.
The former Heritage Point Assisted Living facility is being transformed into the newest Indiana Treatment Center.
The second in the state, after a successful opening in Columbus.
It'll have 60 in-patient beds, including 12 for detox and 48 for longer-term care.
"There's a need in our area. And we do have other inpatient centers there that are doing a fine job. Our focus is hopefully going to be hometown, right, that we really want to take care of people that are living in the South Bend, Northern Indiana, Southern Michigan area," said John Horsley- Indiana Recovery centers Executive Director.
Nelson Construction is investing $15 million in the project.
They say the building's layout, originally designed for memory care is ideal for the project.
"We're putting about a million dollars into the building, including all new flooring, adding room for more activity rooms and group rooms and a couple more staff offices. And then renovating a lot of the bathrooms on the inside and really polishing it up," said Brian Schall- Nelson Construction and Development Director of Development for Behavioral Health.
Services will include 24/7 medical care, trauma informed therapy, psychiatric support, recovery coaching, and more, managed by Ascension Recovery Services.
They're a national clinical operator running more than 70 addiction programs across the country.
They'll oversee day-to-day operations, including hiring staff, managing treatment protocols, and providing individualized care plans.
"It was really critical that we found a group that, we can trust to put together a program and run the day to day of the caliber program that we want," said Schall.
The facility will accept private insurance, Medicaid, and self-pay clients -- and it's open to anyone seeking help, whether referred by the courts, family, employer, or voluntarily.
"This community deserves good treatment facilities. They deserve evidence-based care supported by research. And they deserve people who care about their recovery and will do the right thing," said John Horsley- Indiana Recovery centers Executive Director.
Indiana Treatment Centers expects to open its Mishawaka location by late summer.