For over 46 years, The Freedom Center has been unwavering in its commitment to serving the evolving needs of the community. Founded in 1977 as an alcoholism center, it has since evolved into a multifaceted organization offering comprehensive services, including prevention, intervention, case management, outpatient, and intensive outpatient programs for substance use disorders and mental health.
While its primary focus is Knox County, The Freedom Center extends a helping hand to clients from a dozen or so neighboring counties. Its core mission is to provide accessible and comprehensive care to individuals of all ages, including adults, children, and families.
Responding to Growing Demand
Afet Kilinc, the Executive Director of The Freedom Center, emphasizes the organization's dedication to meeting the growing need for rural health services, especially given the challenges posed by the opioid crisis and the mental health strains exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kilinc highlights the success of securing federal, state, and local grants to support the implementation of new programs and services. To facilitate this expansion, The Freedom Center has acquired a new facility in downtown Mount Vernon, Ohio, currently undergoing renovation to provide more space for its comprehensive services and programs.
"As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, we've witnessed a significant increase in the demand for mental health treatment," Kilinc states. "We're still dealing with rising overdoses from substance use, particularly opioids, and the potential role of new substances. The Freedom Center is resolutely addressing the community's needs."
A Vision for Expansion
In response to the heightened community needs, The Freedom Center is embarking on a capital project to construct a brand-new treatment center. The organization has purchased a new building located at 135 South Main, currently undergoing renovation to accommodate a significant portion of its programs and services. The construction began on Monday, October 16th, with an estimated completion timeframe of approximately 4 to 5 months, as advised by Robertson Construction.
The new location is strategically chosen to be more accessible to clients and contribute to the vitality of the downtown business community. This expansion will provide dedicated spaces tailored to specific populations, ensuring a therapeutic and secure environment for everyone, from children and adolescents to women and adults.
"Our objective is to transform our current site located at 106 East Gambier into a recovery housing program for the community," Kilinc explains. "We're thrilled about this development, having conducted a successful fundraising campaign for the capital project."
Community Support and Gratitude
The community has rallied behind The Freedom Center's initiative, with businesses and foundations providing invaluable support. Major donors, including the State of Ohio's Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Ariel Foundation, Knox County Foundation, Mental Health and Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties, Operation Round-Up Foundation Grant, the Ramser Family Foundation, and the Rinehart Family, have played a pivotal role.
"At the heart of our pursuit to fulfill The Freedom Center's mission, our dedicated volunteer Board of Directors serves as the driving force behind our ambitious capital project."
Kilinc expresses her heartfelt gratitude, stating, "I want to acknowledge our incredibly dedicated employees. None of this would be possible without them. We have highly talented professionals from diverse backgrounds, some with lived experiences that truly make a difference in their work with our clients."
As The Freedom Center expands its facilities and services, its core mission remains unchanged – to help individuals and families along their path to recovery and well-being. With decades of experience and a passionate team, The Freedom Center continues to be a beacon of hope for the community.
(Site of Freedom Center's future location. Credit: Freedom Center)
