On April 29, Hamilton County leaders hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the James L. Bower House in Madisonville. This new housing development is Hamilton County’s first facility aimed at supporting multi-system youth who have complex needs requiring coordination from multiple agencies.
“This home represents a critical investment in some of our most vulnerable youth—those navigating both mental health challenges and developmental disabilities,” said LaNora Godfrey, CEO of the Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board. “Bower House fills a long-standing gap in our system by providing a safe, supportive environment where young people can stabilize, build essential life skills, and transition toward greater independence and long-term success.”
Bower House is a collaborative effort among Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services and the Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Boar..
Bower House will provide short-term care and transitional living skills development services for eligible youth ages 14-21, as well as on-site mental health services to meet the needs of residents and guests. This licensed facility focuses on a spectrum of needs to assist with family stability, skill development, and more. It reflects the commitment we made in our Strategic Plan to improve support options for multi-system youth.
“Bower House is proof of what’s possible when systems work together for the people we serve,” said HCDDS Superintendent Leia Snyder. “We’re proud to open this home alongside partners who share our belief that every young person in Hamilton County deserves access to the care and opportunity they need to thrive.”
The home is named in honor of James L. Bower, director of Excel Development Co., Inc., who passed away in 1991. His non-profit organization built more than 70 housing units in our community for people with mental health needs. We’re thankful for a generous donation from James’ wife, Therese Bower, to support the home’s operation.
To learn more about Bower House, please reach out to HCDDS Housing and Residential Manager Chase Hurst. See media coverage of the ribbon-cutting ceremony from Local 12 and Fox 19.
About Bower House Partners
Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services supports more than 10,400 people with developmental disabilities throughout their lives, from babies through seniors, by providing case management, monitoring service quality, and funding services provided by our community partners.
The Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (MHRSB) provides leadership in planning, funding, managing, and evaluating behavioral health care in Hamilton County. They provide a continuum of mental health, addiction, and prevention services that are responsive to individual and family needs to make a positive impact on the community.
Inclusive Housing Resources is dedicated to managing and developing safe, affordable, and accessible housing opportunities for people with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers. Inclusive Housing Resources owns and manages more than 150 units of housing in Hamilton, Butler, and Clermont counties.
TruCare Provider Services offers comprehensive support through a range of services. Their residential, respite and community transition services are tailored to the needs of individuals and families to support independence, skill-building, and more.
