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Sept. 4, 2005
By JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS
Staff writer
The aging of caregivers to the mentally ill and developmentally disabled is a national problem, and it's hitting close
to home in Ottawa County.
County commissioners, local mental health officials, parents and others gathered Thursday at the Harbor House Ministries
care facility in Jenison to talk about the issue.
Emotional testimony from parents and caregivers to county commissioners on Aug. 9 led to the special meeting, and
state officials were brought in as well.
Frustrated parents spoke of how they've raised their children to adulthood and find they can no longer provide the
same level of care their children need. Many want to place their children at Harbor House, but cannot get Community Mental
Health of Ottawa County to approve the funding.
CMH officials say there isn't enough money for more placements in a 24-hour care facility like Harbor House, and the
state sees Harbor House as institutional care, which is contrary to its long-term vision of having persons with mental illness
and developmental disabilities more integrated into their communities.
Rita Bird, a member of the county's CMH board, spoke highly of the open and homey atmosphere at Harbor House.
"It's not an institution. There's no comparison ... we've come so far," Bird said.
"I don't know where the (money) will come from but it behooves us to do something to solve this difficult situation
and let's get past philosophy," said Bird, to loud applause.
It was with the encouragement and support of Ottawa County CMH that Harbor House was built in the first place, say
its supporters.
Local CMH officials confirmed the initial support and encouragement, but explained that changes in federal and state
government funding, and changes in Medicaid, have stretched available funding thin.
Scott Wondergem, treasurer of Harbor House, said the county has the chance to be "a shining star" an example
to other area's on how best to care for those with severe mental illness and disabilities.
He challenged Ottawa County's elected leaders to solve the funding problems.
Commissioner Dennis Swartout said it's important to understand that county commissioners don't have direct control
of the CMH budget and programs, but he quickly added, "We have an obligation to listen, and to respond."
Swartout recognized the state lawmakers in the audience and asked everyone to "come together" and do the
best they can with the limited space and resources available.
Thursday's meeting brought out State Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, and State Reps. Bill Van Regenmorter, R-Georgetown
Township, and Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland.
Built entirely with private funds, Harbor House is licensed by the state as an adult foster care home.
It offers around-the-clock care in a campus-like setting. The first phase included two wings with six bedroom units
in each, with a common open room for exercise and other activities.
Those 12 bedrooms were filled the day the facility opened in July 2004.
Harbor House representatives are unhappy with what they see as CMH's reneging on an implied promise of support and
funding if it expanded its facility.
The group went ahead and built a second pair of six-bedroom units, right next door to the original building.
Ottawa County CMH is one year into a two-year contract with Harbor House for the care of nine persons with developmental
and physical disabilities, and provides partial funding for a 10th person.
Contact John Charles Robbins at (616) 546-4269 or john.robbins@hollandsentinel.com.
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