SEMHS Planning Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

Acorn Construction is managing the project to build a new facility for Southeast Mental Health Services

La Junta, CO—May 2, 2012—Southeast Mental Health Services

Southeast Mental Health Services is planning a June 28th Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the completion of its new 4,300 square foot facility at the corner of Kendall and Memorial Drive, near the entrance to the healthcare campus. The public will be invited to tour the facility after the 2:00 PM ceremony. Architect Joy Spatz of Studio Collaborative, Inc. and Acorn Construction’s Brandon Houghton will be on hand for the festivities.

Southeast Mental Health Services has been doing business in Prowers County since 1965, and is a 501c3 private, nonprofit organization determined eligible by the IRS to receive tax-deductible donations. For the past 14 years, SEMHS has been operating out of a modular building located in the south industrial park. “Modular buildings have a limited lifespan, and we knew we would eventually have to replace it. We are excited to bring mental health and substance abuse services to the healthcare campus,” said Becky Otteman, CEO/Executive Director of Southeast Mental Health Services.

A Capital Campaign goal of $500,000 was set by the Board of Directors in March 2011. “We’ve had a strong response to the campaign from our board members and staff, who together have contributed over $11,000,” said Nancy King, SEMHS Development Director. “We have received generous grants from the Colorado Health Foundation, The Caring for Colorado Foundation, and the Colorado Garden and Home Show, Inc.,” said King, “and we welcome the local community, businesses and individuals to participate, as well.”

The project has been approved by Southeast Colorado Enterprise Development (SECED) as a qualifying enterprise zone project. SEMHS Chief Financial Officer, Barry Shioshita, presented the project to the SECED Administrator because of the economic impact the project has had on the City of Lamar and Prowers County. “A project of this size doubles or triples its impact on the tax base when you think about the jobs it provides, the workers who stay in motels and eat at restaurants, the fuel that goes into the equipment and general increase in activity,” said Shioshita.

As a result of SECED’s approval, donations of $100 or more to Southeast Mental Health Services through SECED are eligible for the Enterprise Zone State Tax Credit. The amount of the credit is 25 percent of the value of the contribution, up to $100,000 (12.5% for in-kind contributions up to $50,000 in credit). For more information on making a donation eligible for the tax credit program, contact SECED at (719) 336-3850. SECED forms are also available on Southeast Mental Health Services’ website at www.semhs.org.

###

PHOTO CREDIT: Rob Nicklos