Encore Developmental Services leadership has been stressing the last several months as they face a major need to overhaul the fire safety of its east side facility.

Stephanie Coonce is the Executive Director of Encore Developmental Services and since last fall, she has worked tirelessly to find a way to make her facility compliant with the State Fire Marshal. She indicates they are working with an architect to develop a plan and narrow down what is feasible for the agency.

According to Coonce, the bones of the facility are good and so they can work within its structure to make the necessary improvements. She adds other options just did not make sense.

Coonce is in the process of writing grants and has her sites set on a DHS grant for non-profits that have to make upgrades for the Fire Marshal's office. She adds they are also considering working with a financial advisor to make sure they are being wise with any money they have.

While it may be aggressive, Coonce hopes to see funding secured and work beginning by the fourth quarter of 2023. She directs anyone interested in supporting their need, no matter how much, to find Encore Developmental Services on Facebook or visit their website, encoreservices.org.