SIOUX CITY — Red and green ribbons were ceremoniously cut Wednesday to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the Ginny Peterson Behavioral Health Campus.
Passing this milestone allows Boys and Girls Home and Family Services, Inc., a nonprofit agency that has cared for children and adults since 1894, to move outpatient, mental health services, Family Services, Inc., from Court Street to its new campus at 1551 Indian Hills Dr. The site formerly housed the Indian Hills Shopping Center.
The $1.2 million, 34,000-square-foot family services center, which local leaders, Chamber of Commerce ambassadors and members of the public toured on Wednesday, features art, sand, play and group therapy rooms, a bright and spacious yoga area, offices, and the Fred D. Wells Boardroom.
Wells, who died in June 2020 at age 94, was a longtime executive at Le Mars-based ice cream maker Wells Enterprises. He served as board member emeritus for Boys and Girls Home from 2006 until 2020, and was a constant supporter of all those seeking help through the agency, according to the organization.
“This day is remarkable,” Brenda Geisinger, the organization’s chief operating officer, declared from a podium, as she spoke to dozens gathered in the parking lot outside the building. “When we started looking for a new campus and expanding and just improving, it really speaks to our mission about how to help individuals grow, change and go through that journey.”
