Thursday, February 26, 2009
What a 'Vision'
Vision Quest is an organization that does a job most of us would rather not talk about, hear about, or quite frankly even see. They want to come into Norristown and set up shop at Norristown State Hospital, and they just might be able to do so, but I'm opposed to the idea. Not because of who they are, but because of where they want to set up shop. An urban setting is just not the place for this type of facility. There would be entirely too many temptations for the juveniles housed there, and entirely too many residents within a stone's throw of where they would be biding their time. While there are dozens of residents coming out in opposition to the move, and rightfully so, I'd like to suggest that some concerted effort be put forth to find an alternative site for Vision Quest so the conversation does not center completely around 'not in my back yard.'
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When dealing with the young there is a need to be very conscious of their surroundings. Look at the sports picture when a young person returns to his/her roots, usually not good, because of bad habits. If our State believes the surrounding area, meaning the State Hospital Grounds, will improve the moral and mental health of the youth, then probably it is the correct place for "Vision"...this I do not believe is true. Well, that is my opinion.
We were talking about another place that would be more suitable and that is the "Protectory' as Lower Prov. Residents call it on Pawlings Road. The same type of influence as the State Hospital but there would be young adults with problems that need to be addressed not mental from the Philadelphia Area.
Valley Forge Military Hospital Area would be more the type of facility that should be considered. I'm not sure how much of this facility remains that "Vision" would be interested in, but, much more thought should go into the final decision. We are talking about "Youth" and there is no book written on how to train/retrain them so that their thought process is acceptable to humanity.
Great news. Reps Vereb and Bradford issued a statement today announcing that the PA DPW will explore alternative sites for VQ. It would appear that their hard work, and that of the two attorneys Sanders and Kerns, has paid off.
The cooperative effort between Vereb and Bradford has been very encouraging.
" Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:09:54 -0700
From: westendassociation@yahoo.com
Subject: For Immediate Release: State of PA to re-think placing VisionQuest in Norristown
To: westendassociation@yahoo.com
Folks,
We had a tremendous day today! At 3:30 pm members of the West End Association were on a phone call with Rep. Bradford and Rep. Vereb. They were able to convince the Secretary Richmond of the PA Department of Public Welfare that not only does Norristown have an 'over abundance' of social services within its confines but also that Bldg 12 at the State Hospital actually has some serious fire and safety code deficiencies that would not allow them to place people in that facility. After much discussion, Secretary Richmond agreed that Norristown State Hospital was not the right site for the VisionQuest facility and the commonwealth would renew their search for a more appropriate site.
What am I trying to say? WE WON!
The politico's are cautious and are not saying it is over, but to all intents and purposes, it is over. So to that effect:
There will be NO zoning board hearing on March 16th.. Please let your dear neighbor know so that they don't show up to Municipal Hall. Go out and celebrate St. Patricks Day!
Could Vereb and Bradford have done this alone? NO. It is clear that the West End Association and our friends in East and West Norriton had a significant impact in this outcome. WE want everyone on this e-mail to congratulate themselves. To all the nay-sayers: Norristown is back- people do care enough to take action and the results is: POSITIVE CHANGE FOR NORRISTOWN!
And don't forget, we have spring tree planting coming up at the end of the month!
WE
West End Association
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 787-0868
WestEndAssociation@yahoo.com "
To the West End Association: Don't pat yourself too much on the back----without Vereb and Bradford you would not have had a snowballs chance in hell. I hope you at least said thank you to these two public servants.
How about a little love for The Times Herald putting pressure on local officials and publicizing the public outrage?
Stan, You have our LOVE.
To Someone who cares: As it turns out Vereb and Bradford both said that it was the ability of the West End Association to mount sizeable public outcry and political pressure (both on county and other state politicos-including Rendell) that really helped them seal the deal with DPW. Members of the West End Association were working on this all along with our two representatives. In fact, we suggest the 'Some one who cares' get involved with the West End Association so you can see who you are dealing with... Of coure, the West End Association and all of Norristown are very greatful to Stan and Carl for their tireless coverage of the issues...
To Someone who cares: Both Vereb and Bradford know that they need voters to get them re-elected. The West End Association is made up of a lot of very energetic and politically active people who can turn the political tide if they need to. Don't discount this group because it continues to grow by leaps and bounds. In fact, I bet you know nothing about it...
Power of the People!
To the West End Association and Anonymous. My short little stab at least got you to say THANK YOU to the people who assisted you in your NIMBY situation. Mr. Vereb and Bradford are true warriors for the cause of their constituents. You, of course believe that it is to get your vote, that gives me a sick feeling in my stomach.
Vereb and Bradford were just doing their job when they saw this problem that caused their Constituents concern. That is why we vote the way we do. I hope when election time comes again, you will remember the "Vision" episode.
Well put by all. What a great example of a community working together. Instead of just "NIMBY" the WE organized, mobilized and suggested better choices. Our representatives, whether we supported for them or not, heard the concerns and did the right thing.
This is a model for how WE (pun intended) can take back and transform this community.
I have recently been a critic of the Times Herald but in this case, I think the story was fairly covered and put a spotlight on a very important issue.
Vision Quest...What is the up-to-date info on this placement? I believe the one post suggested St. Gabes in LP. Was that ever considered?
The weather turned nasty today, so going back over old posts proved interesting. What has happened to Vision Quest? I'm sure Juveniles that have strayed has not gone away and rehabilitated.
Vision Quest? Their placement is where? The mental health and a facility that can accommodate youth with many types of problems really needs accodations that will help turn them around. In the Southern and Mid West States we learned of such facilities and they really stick to a strict routine and those young men/girls in their various programs have gone on to a productive life. PA needs to get their act together.
Vision Quest?? Why were the exact requirements for Vision Quest not posted? Certainly there are many places available. I am thinking it is the personnel in charge that is lacking in the procedures. Now this post goes back to February - that is too long without a site for them. The Eagleville Hospital and the Prison ground could possibly be used, as the location has already been told "we don't care about your backyard - this is where we are building and caring for these people"... Sooo, where then would you suggest at this point for Vision Quest?
Who is the contact for Vision? I would imagine they could use a little help - that is free. Our State has so many financial problems, usually brought on by their lack of give, in order to accomplish the end result. In this case it could be who you know and how they feel about helping to finance a facility as this - not location, location.
Vision Quest? This is an old post, but information on the location(s) being considered should be public knowledge. Is this one of those vacation/no where situations?
Vision Quest and the sites being considered? This is one topic that should never go away until a facility is found that is well suited for these young people. Please, if not here in Montgomery County, then where? We certainly have enough facilities for those that abuse all types of drugs, booze and just down right nasty things. So, where will the facility be located?
It now seems we have a few bikers that think fooling around when on the trail is just OK. No, it is not and young people that get away with acts against other bikers are a reason we need to make sure Vision Quest finds a place, because if these young people are not taught the facts of life now, we will certainly need a larger facility in the very near future. I'm glad our DA is a biker, this will help move the important lesson the young people need right now.
Vision Quest.. Have they found a home?
Jeffersonville's Schuylkill Avenue Facility is never in want for young people that should have had attention from the time go. So, where is Vision Quest being housed?
Yep, it's raining and a holiday! What happened to Vision Quest? Any word on where they will locate?
It looks like no person in PA is taking care of business when it comes to Vision Quest. If we wait long enough and build enough prisons - that will take care of the juveniles that needed housing & is no longer a problem. That's how you do it here in PA.
Vision Quest? Is there any person out there that can answer the question - where will they house these youth offenders or those with very bad habbits? Phila. solved most of their problems - St. Gabes in LP. It looks almost like a resort now. The kids there are quite lucky to be out of Phila.
St. Gabes is run by the Catholic Church - right? I believe some of the youth are placed out in local businesses when they achieve a record of "control" over their emotions and way of thinking. The youth can earn a few dollars before their 18th birthday when they will be going back home.
Still no room for Vision Quest here in Montgomery County, but they keep trying. Chester County really needs to work on this situation. The State Reps. should know their areas and come up with a suggestion other than Montgomery County. How about Devereau (sp) they have facilities that could be used and personnel that are use to children/adults that need round the clock care, etc.
What has happened to Vision Quest? Here we are almost one year later and not one entry regarding the new or A location for this organization. Juveniles need special attention and that requires special housing - so, if we can build facilities to hold the tankers in Eagleville every weekend, surely we can find a place to house the young people and their supervisory staff.
Ok, has Vision Quest found housing? Juveniles that need help - guidance is not something we can turn our back on. If you have or had a teenager and they started to spend their money on the wrong things - if the parent could not change their ways - then guess where the teenager usually ends up...You got that right. Now, where did they secure housing?
A quiet Sunday - reading old Posts has been interesting. What is the answer to the location or locations that are now considered?
Vision Quest - where did they relocate? St. Gabes. on Pawlings Road was suggested or sub divide the State Hospital Ground. Please update.
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