I hope that everyone can see all the good that has happened with St. Andrew's Anglican Church leaving the DCNY. We've seeded four local Episcopal congregations with good members and now, by leaving our buildings we may be allowing a Christian rehabilitation center to come to Vestal. We have also received families and couples from three of those same churches and one a bit further out, so some of the back and forth is simply the circulation of the saints. The goods that we left behind on Mirador Rd. were scavenged by a number of folks from local Episcopal congregations, so that's a third way we've contributed. Meanwhile, the DCNY implodes, but hey, we've done our part. ed.
By Vanessa Ebbeling • vebbeling1@gannett.com • Staff Writer • December 18, 2008
VESTAL -- A residential treatment center for women who are battling emotional problems and addiction is looking at a vacant church facility, Vestal town officials said.
Candlehouse Inc., a Christian rehabilitation center that's connected to the Assembly of God church, is considering relocating from East Main Street in Owego to the former St. Andrew's Episcopal Church buildings on Mirador Drive.
The group will host a meeting for neighbors at 7 p.m. Monday at the church.
At a recent town board meeting, group President and Executive Director Richard Mecklenborg said Candlehouse needs more space for offices, food preparation and training programs to prepare clients to re-enter the world.
The church building and the community center, located across the street, were vacated after the parish withdrew from the regional diocese in November 2007.
The treatment center hasn't purchased either of the buildings, said the Rev. Karen Lewis of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York, which owns the buildings. The properties are being shown to interested parties, she said.
Town Supervisor Peter Andreasen said the group provides an important community service and has an impressive track record. Nearly 90 percent of its graduates remain free of dependency.
Town officials are determining if the property will need a zoning change to accommodate the facility.
"If the town could find a way to make this happen without having the world jump down their throat, that would be good," Andreasen said.
If Candlehouse acquires the properties, renovation plans could include converting community building into living quarters for clients. The church would be used for worshipping and house offices and classrooms.
Candlehouse can treat as many as 12 clients at once. It is now working with five people, officials told board members.
The facility is staffed around the clock and residents aren't permitted to be outside after dark. Only those who are deemed trustworthy are allowed to go for short walks alone.
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