ABILENE, TX — More than 1,000 jobs could be on the line and the future of hundreds of people with disabilities who benefit from the Abilene State Supported Living Center.
"If this place were to close, there is no indication that it will,” said Doug Peters, president of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. “But should it close, it would leave a whole in our economy and 1,000 folks that work here looking for an opportunity."
City officials toured the Abilene State Supported Living Center on Tuesday to prepare for a state public hearing.
"Supported living centers all across the state are under review to determine how efficient they are and well they serve the needs of the patients,” said Peters. “And how they compare to private solutions that are out there."
The Texas State Human Services Committee' is currently engaged in long-range planning involving the State Supported Living Centers.
Their goal is to find the most effective way to provide services to those who need it. Meaning, these facilities could close if they find other avenues to provide care.
Jessica Perkins, 30, has been a part of this community for the past 12 years.
"Jessica is autistic,” said David Perkins, Jessica’s father. “She would test out as mentally retarded, her level of disability is very significant."
Both of Jessica’s parents, David and Karla Perkins, agree that the state supported living centers should remain open.
"We just love what they do for Jessica,” said Perkins.
"At home…she can leave in the middle of the night,” said Karla Perkins. “Here when she gets up in the middle of the night, she goes in the living room and there is a staff member."
Currently, the Abilene facility runs 24-hours a day, houses 275 people with intellectual and development disabilities and it takes about 1,200 people to take care of them.
Even though no decision has been made to close the center, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce plans to attend a public hearing in June 2018 at the state capitol to remind legislators that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ model when it comes providing safe and consistent care.
"I would just appeal from those decision makers who are making decisions of these facilities and other to take time and tour and look and ask questions,” said Mayor Anthony Williams who was also part of the tour group. “I think at the end of the day they will have an opportunity to see how needed this is."