Dakota County and mental health service provider Guild joined with community partners Monday, Feb. 3 to celebrate the opening of the Crisis and Recovery Center in West St. Paul.
County commissioners, Guild leaders, legislators, local leaders and members of the mental health community held a ribbon-cutting for the new facility, located next to the Dakota County Northern Service Center. The Crisis and Recovery Center provides a welcoming place for adult mental health services, including assessment, support and short-term residential treatment and stabilization.
“While the building is a treasure, it will be the services inside that are truly going to make the difference for people's lives," Dakota County Board Chair Mike Slavik said. “These services will help our neighbors, our friends and our families who are struggling with a mental health crisis."
Dakota County owns the facility and provides mental health assessment and support services inside the building for adults experiencing a crisis. Residential services are operated by Guild. On-site staff include licensed mental health professionals, registered nurses, peer support specialists, therapeutic recreation specialists and a house manager.
Guild CEO Trish Thacker called the Crisis and Recovery Center a product of collaborative efforts. The first year of Guild operating costs is being funded through a donation from the O'Gara family.
“Every single day, there will be great things happening within the walls of that building – some we will never see, but we know that it will be there," Debbie O'Gara said.
The 16,000-square-foot center includes 16 bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms, along with office space, laundry facilities, two kitchens, a shared living room, therapeutic and meditation rooms and more.
“This takes folks oftentimes at the darkest point in their lives, when it's most important for them to be close to their families and it allows them to stay close to home," Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins said. “As some of our speakers said at the groundbreaking, it very well could save a life. It's just that crucial."
Federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars funded $4.64 million of the project's $14.1 million total cost. State bonding dollars covered $6 million, with a Minnesota Department of Human Services grant covering the remaining $3.46 million.
“This facility represents more than just mortar and brick — it's a beacon of hope, it's a sanctuary, for those who need it," said state Rep. Mary Frances Clardy, of West St. Paul.
Support for the project included the City of West St. Paul.
“Mental health has had a stigma around it for years and you have to overcome that," Mayor Dave Napier said. “We were so confident that this is a resource that is needed in the mental health community, so we were very proud to be able to educate our residents on the value this brings."
Learn more about the Crisis and Recovery Center.