The agency closed their doors and ended many, many services just over a year ago and now they are looking a head. Gary Gullone says the renewal started when the state came through with a stop gap budget but they had to take a hard look at their finances and find ways to save and make money.

 

 

The strength of the operation was Encore Thrift Store. According to Gullone, he noticed the store was not in financial trouble and Stephanie Coonce, Developmental Training Director at HRC, explains it is getting better because of a consent decree from the federal government.

 

 

Gullone sees a bright future ahead for HRC, including more work for their clients. He points to their garden showcase program as one that could expand and continue to benefit their clients and the community.

 

 

Coonce says the future of HRC will likely look different from what everyone came to know HRC as in the past. She explains their focus will likely be on those with mental disabilities as several services have come to the community for those with substance abuse challenges and other mental health challenges.

 

 

The facility at HRC East could use some significant improvements and Gullone explains, as they continue to firm their financial footing, they hope to start addressing some of the work that needs to be improved.