MARYVILLE, Tenn. — A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday for the new Blount County Transition Campus in Maryville, which is set to provide crucial mental health, substance use, and social services for individuals in need, including incarcerated individuals with co-occurring disorders. Officials described the campus as the first of its kind in Tennessee.
The new campus aims to streamline access to essential services by consolidating all re-entry services on a single campus. Shannon Dow, Senior Director of Blount County Services at the McNabb Center, emphasized the project’s goal of removing barriers to care, which will help residents successfully reintegrate into their communities after incarceration.
“This project is designed to provide all re-entry services in one location, ensuring that individuals can receive the necessary care and support to transition back into society,” Dow said.
The Blount County Transition Campus is planned to feature six buildings, including a residential re-entry housing unit for men, a substance use services building, and four recovery cottages for those in need of long-term care. The campus will house up to 62 residents and is expected to open later this year.
The project is supported by a $6 million allocation from the Tennessee governor and legislature, with additional contributions from local leaders and organizations like the McNabb Center.
Mona Blanton-Kitts, President and CEO of the McNabb Center, described the Transition Campus as a groundbreaking step forward in addressing the critical needs of individuals seeking a fresh start after incarceration.
“The Transition Campus represents a major step in providing the care and services needed to support individuals in their journey to recovery and reintegration,” Blanton-Kitts said.
Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell and Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Marie Williams were present at the ceremony, along with other key stakeholders. Williams highlighted the collaborative efforts that made the campus a reality.
“We could not be here without the vision of the CARES group, the mayor, and the McNabb Center team working together,” Williams said. “This project is a win for the community and a valuable investment in the future.”
The Blount County Transition Campus will offer a much-needed resource for individuals seeking a second chance, with a focus on providing comprehensive, long-term support to help them thrive once reintegrated into society.
