Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI), an affiliate of Journey Health System, plans to start building their two-story, 12,000-square-foot facility within the lots along Railroad and Market streets, after delays due to the pandemic and evolving building plans. The integration of DCI’s St. Marys’ programs into the new building will not only improve service accessibility, but also increase organizational effectiveness while brin
ging a positive transformation to downtown St. Marys.
Preliminary work is underway and construction of the new building is scheduled to begin in the next 90 days. The building and zoning permits have been issued. Utility permits are currently in process. The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office is also approving the project pending some added historical elements to reflect the history of the previous buildings that were on the lot. In addition, a Letter of Intent was issued to contractors.
Bob Ordiway, DCI’s board campaign committee chair said, “Behavioral health plays a crucial role in supporting both industry and families. Centralization of Dickinson’s services in downtown St. Marys will enhance access and allow for more individuals to be served in a caring, welcoming, and state-of-the-art environment. Additionally this building will significantly improve the appearance of downtown St. Marys.”
Funding for this project will be comprised of federal and state grants, foundation grants, Dickinson Center operating funds, bank financing, and generous contributions from business, industry, and individuals throughout the area.
A capital campaign committee has been established and is gearing up to lead the community-wide fundraising effort. Committee members include: DCI campaign committee chair Bob Ordiway, Bill Conrad, DCI board chair Joe Haines, Bill Hoffman, Mark Saline, John Dippold, Frank Straub, Rob O’Leary, Jim Ryan, Gennaro Aiello, Jen Dippold, and Tana Smith, Journey Health System’s Director of Institutional Advancement. As a result of generous contributions from individuals, businesses, organizations, and foundations Dickinson has raised $1 million of its $1.5 million campaign goal. In the next couple weeks, capital campaign committee members will actively engage with local individuals and businesses in pursuit of reaching the remaining $425,000 goal.
To learn more and make a gift to Dickinson Center’s “Building for Tomorrow” campaign, visit www.givetodickinson.org .
Since 1958, Dickinson Center, Inc. has been committed to helping individuals reach their full potential by providing a comprehensive spectrum of behavioral health, intellectual disability, and prevention services. Initially, DCI opened to provide outpatient psychiatric care to rural northwestern Pennsylvania, and is now recognized as a leading rural behavioral health provider in northwestern Pennsylvania, serving Elk, Cameron, Potter, McKean, Forest, Warren, Jefferson and Clearfield counties.
For more information about services at Dickinson Center, visit www.dickinsoncenter.org or follow them on Facebook.