The former site of Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center in Richmond will have new life as a home for residential and outpatient services provided by Damar, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that helps children and adults with autism and intellectual, developmental and behavioral disabilities.
In a news release, Damar said it had purchased the 74-acre property along with all buildings and fixtures on Wednesday, April 30, for an undisclosed amount. Wernle ceased operations at the site in early 2024, citing declining demand and challenges with maintaining staffing levels.
Jenny Peters, Damar’s chief strategy officer, told WWN that Damar plans to make light renovations, hire up to 150 people, including at hiring fairs this summer, and open the campus in the fall. Peters also said the organization is looking forward to partnering with other Richmond-area organizations in its industry.
“Damar is eager to share our organization’s experience and expertise to help families in the eastern part of the state who are facing some of life’s most challenging situations,” said Dr. Jim Dalton, president and CEO of Damar Services, in a statement. Dalton also indicated that its services may be available to nearby residents of Ohio.
“We are pleased that vital services will be provided by Damar Services from the historic and beautiful campus in Richmond,” said Sandie Rowe, Wernle board chair. “Damar is an outstanding provider of vital services for youth and families in need, and we are thrilled that they will serve from Richmond.”
Damar was started in 1967 by Theodore and Beverly Farkas. Seeking the best situation for David and Martha, their two children with developmental disabilities, the Farkases were not interested in a state institution with limited visitation privileges and found few other options, according to the statement. They developed Damar (combining the names of their two children), which now offers intensive campus-based services for youth in Indianapolis and East Chicago, ABA autism clinics in multiple locations across the state, and community-based and outpatient behavioral health services. In addition, Damar operates Damar Health Services, Damar Pharmacy, the affordable living community Damar Village and two schools for students with disabilities. It also provides foster care services.
Peters said that Damar’s income sources include partnerships with state agencies, Medicaid, commercial insurance and private funding.
Families interested in learning more about Damar and its services can visit damar.org or call 317-856-5201.
The sale also marks the transition of Wernle as a direct service provider to a funder of services and programs provided by other organizations. The Wernle Youth and Family Foundation Inc. will open a new office in Richmond to focus on providing financial support to area nonprofits serving youth and families. Wernle’s longtime pro bono legal counsel John Maley told WWN that the sale puts the foundation in “a solid position to fulfill its new mission.”
The foundation is led by executive director Brandy Breen-Ford, who stepped into the role in 2024.
A version of this article will appear in the May 7 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.