Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008

Veterans’ services in Lexington: ‘Give us a chance’

Veterans praise rehab center, say it’s no threat to area

The help provided at a small rehabilitation center in Lexington is vital for a fresh start in life, some of the 13 military veterans staying there said Tuesday.

That message came as the veterans met community leaders and neighbors to dispel discomfort about the Central Midlands Transitional Retreat.

“It’s probably the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Ed Forcier, 53, an Army veteran who is recovering from alcohol and drug abuse.

“I don’t think the community has anything to worry about. Give us a chance.”

Christ Central Ministries wants to expand the center so it can serve 96 live-in veterans at the 10-acre complex of cottages off Gibson Road.

Its plan has been stalled by concern among nearby homeowners about possible break-ins and other crime if formerly homeless veterans with problems live in the area.

Some community leaders say anxiety is fading as veterans and homeowners mingle at churches, stores and elsewhere.

“They’re starting to blend in,” said Doug Jones, president of the Lexington Improvement League. “They’re starting to know people.”

His group represents residents of the area around Gibson Road and Hendrix Street, known as The Hill.

Frank Davis, an Army veteran who lives nearby, favors center expansion. “I hope it continues,” he said. “I’m not afraid to give them a chance.”

Veterans living there say the fear is unfounded.

“The way I look at it, there are people out here with more problems than these here,” said Larry Opdyke, 25, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The fenced complex provides temporary housing — up to a year — for veterans committed to getting a job and undergoing care for problems such as depression and alcoholism, ministry officials say.

Veterans staying at the complex adhere to a regimen of counseling, training, center upkeep, community service and regulated excursions, ministry officials say. Violations bring restrictions and, if persistent, dismissal.

“There’s nothing to be concerned about with these guys,” said Danny Johnson, manager of the one cottage in use. “They’re here to figure out what they want out of life and get back on their feet.”

Some veterans say the center’s help is instrumental in overcoming setbacks they face.

“I want to get back on my feet,” said Cornelius Davis, 55, a Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam war. “This is helping me do it.”

He is dealing with depression after a 30-year career as a commercial printer ended, with no new job in sight.

“It’s something to do until I get my head back and focus on what I want to do,” he said.

Center leaders need more sewer service to handle an increase number of veterans staying at the complex.

Ministry officials are asking town leaders to put in a $90,000 sewer line for free. Their request is on hold until neighborhood residents are at ease with the center’s presence.

Town councilman Richard Thompson, who lives nearby, agreed the neighborhood is “coming around” to the center in its midst. But he said it’s premature to commit to its expansion.

Ministry officials want to finish the expansion by spring, but town leaders said it might not happen that quick.

“I’m willing to take whatever time it takes to make this work,” Mayor Randy Halfacre said. “And it’s going to take a little time.”

Reach Flach at (803) 771-8483.