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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- A local center that caters to adults with mental illnesses is worried about the impact of the mental health care reform bill on the services they provide.

The Promise Center in downtown Ottumwa has been open for 11 years and provides a home and a safe environment for those who cannot find it elsewhere.

"The impact could be really devastating for the members who come here, it does give them structure, it gives them a place to go, they learn al to of things at the promise center," said Marlin Breon-Drish, a social worker at the center.

The members are worried that if the bill cuts funding, they won't have a place to turn and resources will be scarce. For them, the shelter is like a second home.

"I was a hermit before this place, I didn't do anything," said Cassie Archer. "I came with my mother the first time - I wouldn't leave without my mom, and now I just keep going and going and going, I'm like the energizer bunny. [And it has to do with] the promise center, yeah. Without them I'd have nothing. I'd be doing nothing."

"The Promise Center has helped me grow inside because I'm experiencing new people and I see people who are less fortunate than me," said member Amy Butts.

"It's just a wonderful place to come and I just hope that enough people see this and understand that people who have mental illness we really need a place like this," said Joanne Forenan.

Right now, the members are collecting signatures for a petition to help the center, no matter the impact of the bill. They are planning for the future, in case they are not able to provide the same level and quality of services and activities they do now.

"We're just waiting to hear what changes will need to be made, we're in a bit of a planning mode right now, so we're just waiting," said Amanda Larkin, Executive Director of Southeast Iowa Mental Health Center.

The Promise Center has had almost 500 members since its opening, and still serves 150-170 a year.

Along with providing social interaction, the center teaches crisis management, life skills and problem solving to its members.