New home found for Do Drop In assistance center

The Do Drop In, a day center for the mentally disabled and homeless and site of the Rural Center for Independent Living has found a new location to continue services in Carson City.

The center will move operations to 900 Mallory Way, off Roop Street. They will lease space from property owner John Procaccini. The address is also home to Cornerstone Music and The Connected Church.

Dee Dee Foremaster, director of the center, received a 30-day eviction notice from property owner JoAnn Sheerin on Nov. 15. Sheerin was on vacation at the time, but met with Foremaster on Dec. 15 and agreed to extend the date an additional 30 days.

Foremaster and the board of directors for the Do Drop In met Friday afternoon to discuss the new location. She expects to sign the lease in the next few days.

"We are very excited about this move," Foremaster said. "It will be nice to move to a place that wants us there. They care about what we're doing."

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Foremaster and volunteers assist the disabled and homeless in getting Social Security services, health care, living accommodations and jobs.

Since opening Aug. 30, Foremaster has helped eight people get off the streets and into apartments, as well as gain employment.

Foremaster said the move will take place at the end of February.

"Whenever you move, you have to change your address on everything, contact other agencies (you work with) - it's very time consuming. It's not just the physical move, but the paperwork."

Sheerin said she was notified of problems at 411 Hot Springs Road by other tenants. She was told people were using bad language, loitering around other businesses and sleeping in the Dumpster area.

Foremaster said she took care of all the problems as soon as she was aware of them.

"I cannot hold anything against JoAnn," Foremaster said. "She's done what she needs to do."

Sheerin said in December what Foremaster is doing is needed in the community, but (the center) needs to be in a more appropriate location.

Jennifer Waite, a volunteer at the center, said she enjoys working at the center and everything it stands for.

"It is an asset for the community," Waite said. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in social work. She plans on returning to UNR to earn her master's degree and become a licensed social worker.

"I would like to contribute more than I am now. I have experience with detox and mental health issues. When you help someone help themselves, they succeed. Empowerment is what it's all about.

"There are plenty of people who are willing to work and want to work, but they're having difficulty because they don't have a permanent residence."

Foremaster said the center could use monetary donations to help pay for fuel for vehicles. Monte Fast, director of FISH has offered use of the thrift store truck.

"Monte has always been here for us," Foremaster said. "We're moving when we can, which will be in about four weeks.

"Our clients are very excited. They'll be in an area where they'll be embraced and appreciated."

-- Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

Info

WHAT: Do Drop In, Rural Center for Independent Living

WHERE: 900 Mallory Way

WHEN: March 1 (target date)

CALL: 841-2580

You can help

Donations for fuel costs may be dropped off at 411 Hot Springs Road, No. 4, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.