Help Wanted, Help Provided
health care, kraner behavioral health, licking county, synergy outpatient services, worklife solutions,
Kraner Behavioral Health has been providing a helping hand in Licking County since 1969, and now they are helping even more people.
The drug and alcohol treatment organization that assists people of all ages began as one building called Spencer Halfway House. Up to 16 men who had serious drug and alcohol problems could live there and receive treatment for up to six months. Women eventually were treated there as well.
“There were obvious problems with men and women living in the same building, and something had to be done to remedy the situation,” says Patrick Evans, CEO of Kraner Behavioral Health. “Our goal ultimately became to add more buildings to separate the sexes and develop additional programs specifically for women – including women who had young children.”
The Kraner organization began a capital campaign in the early 2000s and raised more than $1 million to purchase a house across the street from Spencer House. Evans says the capital campaign was well supported by the Licking County community.
“The home is called Courage House, and it is specifically for up to 16 women who can have their children living with them while treatment is provided for up to six months,” Evans says. “As a result, Spencer House is now designated only for men who are working to beat their addictions, while Courage House helps women.”
Meanwhile, Kraner Behavioral Health has since added two more houses in its neighborhood complex. Synergy Outpatient Services provides drug and alcohol treatment but only on a same-day outpatient basis, while WorkLife Solutions works with businesses that have an employee who has a drug or alcohol dependency.
“The assistance services we provide at Kraner are certainly beneficial to the entire Licking County community,” Evans says.
Story by Kevin Litwin
