The board of directors voted unanimously to close four of its seven branch offices.
MARQUETTE -- The struggling economy and the state of the behavioral health climate has forced the Catholic Social Service of the U.P. to reorganize.
The board of directors voted unanimously to close four of their seven U.P. branch offices. Two members were absent for the voting.
As of January 31, the Houghton, Ironwood, Iron River and Sault Ste. Marie offices will close. Meanwhile, Escanaba, Iron Mountain and Marquette will remain open.
According to a press release, these branches have the greatest potential for financial stability.
The CSSUP has stated that this move must be done to preserve the existence of the long-standing, non-profit agency.
“We deeply regret the effects these office closings will have on our employees and our clients, whose needs are great,” stated Mike Angeli, president of the CSSUP board of directors. “We only voted to take this painful step after a lot of prayer and lengthy discussions regarding the various options available to us. However, we couldn’t escape the fact that we have insufficient resources to operate Catholic Social Services of the U.P. at its current level.”
Four full-time and five part-time workers will be eliminated of the agency's 26 employees. Clients needing further assistance who are affected by the closures will be referred to other local therapists.
The board is now putting its focus on hiring a new executive director and revitalizing the agency.
“The diocese has been proud to support the ministry of Catholic Social Services of the U.P. and will continue to do so,” said Bishop Alexander Sample. “I am confident that the board of directors will find innovative ways to carry out the agency’s mission of serving those in need and that Catholic Social Services of the U.P. will emerge stronger than ever.”
Read the entire press release here.
And listen to an entire interview podcast here.
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