Recently Peace River Center wrapped up a 7,000+ square foot renovation of our Bartow Crisis Stabilization Unit, which originally opened in 1989. The Crisis Unit provides a safe and therapeutic environment for hundreds of clients annually.

The first portion of the renovation project relocated the children’s crisis unit to the front. This allows for improved security measures and additional space for two rooms and a group room. Group therapy sessions are part of the therapeutic treatment plan for those admitted to the crisis unit. The children’s group room also serves as flexible space to accommodate sleeping chairs in case more than six juvenile clients are admitted. New flooring was installed throughout the children and adult designated areas of the crisis unit. Additionally, a recreation yard for children and a new security vestibule were also created as part of the renovation project.

The other main goal the renovation project accomplished is to enable the previous children’s unit area to be utilized as an isolation ward should the need arise due to circumstances such as the pandemic.

Ultimately, the Bartow Crisis Unit renovation project created a more modern residential environment with increased physical distancing capacity and improved security. Revising the space ensures confidentiality during the crisis stabilization intake process and created a quarantine area for individuals in crisis who may present with a contagious infection, which will ensure the safety of law enforcement, staff, and other clients.