YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Ten buildings house multiple agencies that provide services and programming on the 35-acre Mahoning Valley Campus of Care.
In 2022, Mahoning County commissioners invested $1.45 million in COVID relief funds and the governor’s office dedicated $1 million, enabling more than $2.1 million in improvements to the campus. Partner agencies raised more than $1.2 million for building improvements in addition to the state and federal funds.
Improvements included overall resurfacing and new parking areas. Aesthetic improvements included campuswide landscaping and interior atrium upgrades in the central community building.
Three buildings received interior improvements. Two new art therapy studios were built and a new commercial greenhouse is under construction.
Among agencies at the campus are Alta Behavioral Health, Head Start, I Am Boundless Inc., Cadence Care Network and Compass Family Services.
Flying High’s Mobile Market program delivers fresh produce and healthful food to underserved areas, and Workshops Inc. offers job training for youths with special needs. A new on-site commercial kitchen produces meals for Head Start and the new commercial greenhouse will promote food production and job training.
The Campus of Care opened in fall 2020 after commissioners assembled the Mental Health and Recovery Board, the Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Western Reserve Port Authority to repurpose the former Youngstown Developmental Center.
Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti identified the need for a better quality of services for individuals with mental health needs.
“Too often, individuals with such needs are hidden away and not offered treatment or a place where they can heal in a safe environment. We want this place to be a sanctuary,” she says.