DSHS DDA celebrates soft opening for new facility in Gig Harbor
On Friday, April 12, DSHS’ Developmental Disabilities Administration celebrated a soft opening for the new — and permanent — location of its Stabilization, Assessment and Intervention Facility.
Contractors still have some punch list items to complete on the nearly 6,000 square foot home, which will provide short-term stabilization services (up to 90 days) with 24-hour support for up to six eligible DDA clients ages 18 and older with complex behavioral health needs.
DSHS Assistant Secretary Tonik Joseph, who oversees DDA, thanked Parkview Services, the contractor that is developing the facility.
“It has been bumpy, rocky road, but the thing that has been steadfast has been your presence, and I want to thank you for that,” Joseph said.
SAIF Program Administrator Derek Sleight noted that so many DDA staff members were part of the creation of the SAIF program, including recently retired State Operated Community Residential Programs director Amy Price.
“She’s in every part of this building,” Sleight said.
Once the program is operating out of its new location, DDA plans to offer a bigger event for key legislators who helped support the program and others who were key to its success.