FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 21 2024
Contact: Jon Ebelt, Communications Director, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757
jebelt@mt.gov
Legislators, DPHHS Officials Visit Jake’s Farm in the Dell
New facility for adults with severe autism benefits from $400,000 state grant
RONAN – Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, Sen. Shane Morigeau, Sen. Mike Cuffe, and Lindsey Carter of the DPHHS Developmental Disability Program visited the future site of Jake’s Farm in the Dell on Monday, October 21.
A $400,000 state grant has helped launch construction of the new facility that will serve adults with severe autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
“I congratulate the tireless effort of Rich and Julie Janssen on their vision to bring this facility to life,” Governor Greg Gianforte 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 2023 legislature approved the $400,000 in funds through HB 952 and Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the bill on May 22, 2023.
Rep. Courtenay Sprunger carried the bill during the session, with key support from Sen. Shane Morigeau who partnered with Sprunger to develop HB 952. The two legislators, together with Senator Cuffe, worked together to pass the bill into law.
“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,” Rep. Sprunger said. “Jakes’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. The Janssen’s are a shining example of what is possible when a few people dedicate themselves to making Montana a better place.”
HB 952 created a grant program for the purpose of providing grants for the construction of autism facilities designed and equipped to provide services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
To be eligible for these grant funds, organizations were required to match the grant amount with funding from public or private sources.
The facility is named after Janssen’s son Jake, who lived with severe autism until he passed away in 2023 at the age of 28.
“Adults with autism need residential facilities where they can be cared for, live amongst their community, have educational opportunities, and job placement,” Janssen said. “They deserve to have an independent life, close to their families, who are frequently their only connections and friends in the world.”
Additional statements:
DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton:
“The Department of Public Health and Human Services is committed to serving individuals with developmental disabilities, which includes expanding partnerships with local businesses and communities across the state to help support facilities such as Jake’s Farm in the Dell. By working together, we can provide even more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to ensure they are able to enjoy fulfilling and independent lives.”
Sen. Shane Morigeau:
“To see this project progressing along is amazing. I congratulate the Janssen family and the Ronan community for coming together to support this work that will provide numerous opportunities for individuals with disabilities for years to come.”