Goodlife Innovations, an organization that provides community-based supports for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, will close its Iola Day Center, effective Nov. 7.
The news was announced in a letter to its clients earlier this month.
Declining numbers was the primary cause, noted Lauren Vohland, executive director of Goodlife Services.
“At one point, we had really good numbers within that program,” Vohland told the Register. “But within time, as clients have transitioned out, we’ve not been able to bring enrollment back up. If we had the ability to increase those numbers, we absolutely would. Unfortunately, the cost of running the program has exceeded what we can afford.”
Vohland said 11 Goodlife clients will be affected with the Day Center’s closing, adding that Goodlife will continue to offer its shared living services locally.
Goodlife serves roughly 500 clients in 12 counties across the state.
Since the announcement on Sept. 4, Goodlife administrators have been working in league with other groups and agencies to find suitable day services for the clients.
Three employees also will be affected.
“We’ve had conversations to explore different pathways” to determine if they can work within other Goodlife programs, Vohland said. “Our goal is to make sure we have a good transition with them.”
The day center at 201 West St., at one time the home of Family Physicians, will likely be put up for sale, Vohland said.
