Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, Sen. Shane Morigeau, Sen. Mike Cuffe, and Lindsey Carter from the DPHHS Developmental Disability Program visited the site of Jake’s Farm in the Dell on October 21. The facility is being constructed with the help of a $400,000 state grant and will cater to adults with severe autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Governor Greg Gianforte expressed his support for the project: “I congratulate the tireless effort of Rich and Julie Janssen on their vision to bring this facility to life,” he said. “This has been their dream for many years, and now that dream has become a reality. I applaud all those who worked so hard to make this happen.”
The funds were approved by the 2023 legislature through HB 952, which was signed into law by Governor Gianforte on May 22, 2023. Rep. Courtenay Sprunger carried the bill during its session, receiving crucial support from Sen. Shane Morigeau and Senator Cuffe.
Rep. Sprunger highlighted the need for such facilities: “Families forced to send their adult children to out-of-state facilities due to limited provider capacity was something we knew we needed to tackle,” she stated. “Jake’s Farm in the Dell will help fill a much-needed void, providing Montana adults with autism an opportunity to live and thrive in the communities they love.”
HB 952 established a grant program aimed at constructing autism facilities equipped for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. To qualify for these grants, organizations must match them with funding from public or private sources.
The facility is named after Jake Janssen, who lived with severe autism until his passing in 2023 at age 28. Rich Janssen emphasized the importance of such residential facilities: “Adults with autism need residential facilities where they can be cared for, live amongst their community, have educational opportunities, and job placement,” he said.
DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton commented on their commitment: “The Department of Public Health and Human Services is committed to serving individuals with developmental disabilities... By working together, we can provide even more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to ensure they are able to enjoy fulfilling and independent lives.”
Senator Morigeau also commended the progress: “To see this project progressing along is amazing," he remarked.
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