SEPTEMBER 23, 2016
Officials with CHR, the state’s most comprehensive nonprofit behavioral healthcare system, and guests including Connecticut Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, celebrated this week the dedication of CHR’s two new buildings in Manchester!
The dedication was held at the new Center for Health and Wellness on 444 Center Street. This three-story building houses an array of outpatient mental health and addiction services for adults, families and children as well as innovative wellness and primary care programs. Diagonally across the street is the new Center Street 2 Supportive Housing Center that includes 20 apartments for individuals and families as well as CHR support services. Both buildings were recently completed.
“For 50 years, CHR has provided real hope for the problems of real life. We are very proud of both of the new buildings which were designed, every step of the way, to help improve the lives of our clients,” said Heather M. Gates, CHR’s President and CEO.
“The Center for Health and Wellness includes all of CHR’s core behavioral healthcare services as well as new space for primary care and wellness programs. This is in direct response to the needs of our clients,” she said.
“The development of the Center Street 2 Supportive Housing Center followed the successful implementation of the Center Street 1 apartments and reflects the ongoing need to provide safe and affordable housing, as well as support services, for our clients. We’re very pleased that the new building also includes apartments for families and for veterans,” Gates added.
The dedication was held in the new Center for Health and Wellness on 444 Center Street. This three-story building houses an array of outpatient mental health and addiction services for adults, families and children as well as innovative wellness and primary care programs. For more information please visit, www.chrhealth.org.
Pictured in the photo from left to right: DMHAS Commissioner, Miriam Delphin-Rittmon; CHR President and CEO, Heather M. Gates; Lt Governor Nancy Wyman; Jay Moran, Mayor of Manchester; and Senator Steve Cassano
About the Center for Health and Wellness, 444 Center Street:
- Houses wide range of mental health and substance use services for adults, children and families, including all services that were previously offered in CHR’s former offices on East Middle Turnpike and Spencer Street in Manchester
- Designed to promote health and healing with ample use of natural light and green spaces
- Includes a fitness room for clients as well as special rooms for groups focused on exercise, stress reduction and managing chronic conditions
- On-site pharmacy
- On-site primary care practice offered by First Choice Health Center
- Peer greeters welcome guests and visitors in the lobby
- Financing for building came from a $3 million bond from the state Department of Social Services; $6.9 million construction loan from Windsor Federal Savings Bank; and private donations such as a gift from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for toys and books for the children’s therapy rooms
- Architect is Paul B. Bailey Architects
- Builder is Newfield Construction
About the Center Street 2 Supportive Housing Center, 469 Center Street:
- Opened in late April and is fully occupied
- Second apartment building developed by CHR, and financed by the state, to meet the needs of low income individuals and individuals needing support services
- Center Street II includes 20 apartment units
- 12 one-bedroom units, including three units designated for veterans and two units designated for individuals with serious mental illness
- 8 two-bedroom units, including five units designated for families in the child welfare system.
- Building includes a playroom for children
- First floor of building will house CHR services
- Funding for the apartments comes from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA); funding for the supportive services comes from CHR
- Architect is Paul B. Bailey Architects
- Builder is Newfield Construction
About CHR: CHR helps adults, children and families find real hope for the challenges of real life through an array of community based mental health, substance use, child welfare, supportive housing, foster care and prevention and wellness services. Now in its 50th anniversary year, CHR is a leader in new approaches to reduce suicide and provide complete care for opioid addictions. The most comprehensive behavioral health care agency in Connecticut, CHR is known for its high quality, compassionate care, with locations throughout eastern and central Connecticut. Learn more at www.chrhealth.org