From reports
Mission 25, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting recovery and wellness in Whitley County and Northeast Indiana, is thrilled to announce a significant expansion with the construction of a new facility set to increase their capacity to serve more individuals. The facility, named Mission 25 Shelter Services, aims to extend the impact of Mission 25 within the community by providing enhanced recovery support and care.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility will be held on Monday, April 29 at 10 a.m. at 615/623 N. Opportunity Dr., Columbia City.
“We are incredibly excited about the transformational impact that our new building will have on our community. With our increased capacity, we can expand our services and help more individuals in need,” Mission 25 Board Chair Matt Shipman said.
Mission 25 Shelter Services will serve as a level 3 recovery residence, enabling Mission 25 to support more individuals in the next level of recovery care. Additionally, the facility will introduce a new service line to support single fathers with children and increase the number of beds available for single men and women. The trauma-informed space has been meticulously designed to foster long-term success for those served.
The facility is slated for completion in early to mid spring of 2025 and will be located at 615/623 N. Opportunity Dr., Columbia City, Ind. 46725.
Mission 25’s ambitious project has been made possible through the generous support of several organizations. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA): Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA)awarded Mission 25 the largest grant in the State of Indiana through the Opioid Settlement Matching Funds, valued at $3.2 million. In addition, $2.1 million in contributions between the Community Foundation of Whitley County (CFWC)and United Way of Whitley and Kosciusko County (UWWK)has been instrumental in financing the large-scale project.
“The Community Foundation of Whitley County has a trust-based relationship with Mission 25 for one reason – the grant dollars we’ve invested in the organization through the years have consistently resulted in impact,” Community Foundation of Whitley County CEO September McConnell said. “Day by day, the Mission 25 team chips away at the hardest issues facing our community: homelessness, addiction, mental illness and abuse. It’s the hard work that so many people choose not to see or think about until someone they love needs their help.”
In 2021, the CFWC convened local leaders to map out Next Level Whitley County, a cross-sector collaborative initiative to identify and address the most pressing needs in the community. As a result of that work, funds were raised to acquire land for the new facility as well as contribute toward the costs of construction.
The construction of Mission 25 Shelter Services is being led by Michael Kinder and Sons, with oversight from the building committee chaired by Todd Jones. The committee also includes Matt Shipman, Scott Allison, Cassie Bumbaugh, Kim Slater, John Lefever and Greg Matney.
“[Mission 25’s] services are vital to the overall health of our County,” McConnell said. “Where would we be without them?”
Prior to the conception of the Mission 25 Shelter Services building, the Mission 25 Recovery Engagement Center (REC) was remodeled in the fall of 2022 with programming launching in the spring of 2023. The REC is a dedicated community center that offers a supportive environment for individuals seeking recovery from addiction. With a range of recovery meetings, resources, and trained recovery coaches, the REC equips individuals with essential tools needed for their journey to sobriety. In the spring of 2024, the REC is celebrating its one-year anniversary of providing multiple pathways to recovery in a safe space in Whitley County.
Also on Monday, April 29 at 11:15 a.m., a ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for the Mission 25 Recovery Engagement Center at 605 S. Douglas Ave., in Columbia City.
For more information about Mission 25, visit Mission25CC.org.
