River House to reopen July 8; Crossroads takes over STAR program and Chamber continues GED classes at CARES campus

Kelsey Dreer, manager at the Women & Children’s Campus, told the advisory board that River House and Serenity House will reopen July 8 after CIP improvements, increasing Crossroads’ capacity by up to 10 beds and inviting board members to a ribbon cutting. She said Crossroads recently graduated three families from its families program and that WARF funding for that program has been extended for 24 months.

Dreer said Crossroads has taken over the STAR program, an evidence‑based alternative‑sentencing initiative for people with opioid use disorder that partners with Reno Justice Court and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Staff are recruiting a mental‑health counselor to join peer recovery support specialists and case managers to support STAR participants and coordinate with courts; Ryan Gustoson said the program’s participant numbers dipped during transition but are being rebuilt under county oversight.

A Chamber of Commerce representative (Miss Silver) said the chamber will continue a GED/high‑school certification program at the CARES campus (12 seats, rolling enrollment) that includes job‑readiness training and referrals to TMCC. Board members encouraged tracking completions and attendance and invited the board to GED graduations.

Board members welcomed the updates and discussed coordinating invitations and community partnerships for workforce development and rural partner support.