St. Joseph County Commission approves funds for temporary safe house for foster children
Commissioners also addressed multiple other agenda items, including adopting a new artificial intelligence (AI) policy for county staff, appointing individuals to various county boards, and approving financial allocations.
The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved funding for the ongoing campaign to establish a safe house for foster children amid a shortage of foster families across the county.
The Rooted Safe House, which has purchased land in Sturgis, is currently running a campaign to raise $500,000 for the facility.
“The Rooted Safe House will be a transition home that provides a safe, home-like environment where children can stay between removal and placement,” Rob Wagler, executive director of Rooted St. Joseph County, said. “Additionally, it will serve as a fully equipped workspace for caseworkers to find appropriate, long-term placements for children in need.”
Working with the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, the organization has raised $300,000 so far and is now seeking additional community support. The county has approved $15,000 from its Community Development Block Grant program to contribute to the fundraising effort.
In other business…
- During the February 18 meeting at the courthouse in Centreville, commissioners also addressed multiple agenda items, including adopting a new artificial intelligence (AI) policy for county staff, appointing board members, and approving financial allocations.
- The commission reappointed Eric Shafer to the Board of Public Works, Stephen Wolf to the Materials Management Planning Committee, and John Dobberteen and Steve Zarza to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
- Additionally, the county approved a $20,000 purchase of new jury management system software, as the Berrien County Trial Court has reached capacity in hosting jury information and other court services within its current system.
- Dustin Bainbridge, the county’s IT director, cautioned that the department is experiencing a shortage of experienced IT staff following the recent departure of several members. He estimated it will take at least six months to restore the department to full capacity.
- The county also approved $64,000 to purchase a replacement truck for the Meals on Wheels program.
Najifa Farhat is a staff reporter for Watershed Voice.
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