the beautiful Willow Pond House

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Channel Marker recently purchased a 3,800 square foot home in Denton, MD that sits on a six-acre parcel that was purchased in December of 2023.  Authorized by Maryland’s Behavioral Health Administration, this home will accommodate an expansion of six additional beds for individuals struggling with severe and persistent mental health diagnoses.  As part of a State of Maryland initiative to address housing needs for individuals learning to develop independent living and social skills, the Willow Pond House will help this vulnerable population recover and avoid relapse or hospitalization. This expansion will join seven existing residential properties on the Mid-Shore managed by Channel Marker serving a total of 39 residential beds.

Purchased for just over $500K, with close to $200K in renovations through funds from Channel Marker reserves. A $1 million Capital Campaign fundraising effort has been established to replenish reserves for the home's purchase cost and renovations.  

The home has been equipped with a security system, updated living areas, a new roof, a new deck, outside lighting, and tree removal. 

This is our first home located out of town/city limits. The initial thought for housing so many years ago, was to allow easy access for clients to walk about the towns. Channel Marker offers transportation for client needs. We find the rural property to be more of a relaxing retreat atmosphere for our clients. The mix of the different type of housing is an ideal addition to our housing stock.  A transport van will be purchased to transport clients.

This initiative added four full-time employees to our total staff of 70 across Channel Marker mental health and wellness support services. We are currently looking for additional employees so that we can fully staff our residential programs and open the Willow Pond home. We have trained staff identified for the new home and working towards backfilling their current roles.  The Caroline program is seeking two Residential Associates positions to staff in our other Denton home as well as two adult rehabilitation staff for the community psychiatric rehabilitation program. Contact Kelly Holden, HR Director for employment opportunities at 410-822-4619 and kholden@channelmarker.org.

Referrals for the Channel Marker residential program are monitored through a waitlist held by the local behavioral health authority, Mid Shore Behavioral Health.