By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
“We want to provide services to everyone coming out of jail,” Rob Parker told Decatur City Council at a recent meeting.
Parker is executive director of both Crossroads Community and Project Connect (formerly Adams County Recovery Resource Center) in Adams County.
Parker told council he was present to provide an update on services being provided by the two organizations.
Crossroad Community is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a supportive environment for individuals in recovery from addiction. Crossroad says it offers hope and a path to healing for those in need through faith-based programming, community engagement, and comprehensive recovery services.
Project Connect, meanwhile, “bridges the gap between men and women coming out of jail, prison,” Parker explained.
“We help people struggling, people leaving jail who are in need of help navigating getting jobs, housing, things like that,” Parker told WZBD.com.
“We also work inside the jail, since January,” he continued. “Sheriff Dan (Mawhorr) gave us a room where we hold regular classes.”
The organization has three recovery houses, two in Berne and one just being opened in Decatur. In addition, space has been rented and offices are being set up in the onetime Rice Hotel at Third and Madison streets in Decatur.
As he spoke at city council, Mayor Dan Rickord offered praise for the efforts of Parker and his groups.
“I thank you for what you guys are doing,” he said. “I appreciate how you are helping people who have fallen on tough times.”
Upon being hired by Crossroad, Parker said: “Recovery is not just about overcoming addiction – it’s about building hope, community, and a future. I look forward to working with our dedicated team to expand our impact and help more people on their journey to recovery.”
Before taking the dual posts, Parker had been a social worker, LARC coordinator, and director for Gateway Woods, an organization in the Leo area that provides social services and support to at-risk youth and families.
Parker, who had his own problems with the law in the past, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from Indiana University and an Associate’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Purdue University Northwest.
DONATION: Council recently agreed to donate its funds from the federal opioid settlement to Crossroads. Ron Dull, a Crossroads board member, made the request.
The latest settlement money amounts to $1,270.69. “That’s about it. We’re not going to get much more,” city Clerk-Treasurer Kevin Hackman said.
