ROCK HILL, LIBERTY -- Two Sullivan County projects are moving forward with significant state funding, supporting both public infrastructure improvements and expanded mental health services for youth.

In Rock Hill, Evergreen Meadow Services Inc. has been awarded $2 million through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to support construction of Evergreen Meadow Academy, a residential treatment center and middle school planned for Rock Hill. The not-for-profit organization provides trauma-informed mental health services for girls who are at risk of self-harm.

“Receiving a $2 million grant from the state affirms EverGreen Meadow Service’s mission to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care and support for at-risk middle school girls and their families,” stated President Stacey Millman of Evergreen Meadow Services. “This investment recognizes both the urgency of the need and the vital role EverGreen Meadow plays in meeting it.”

The academy will serve up to 24 girls in grades six through eight and operate year-round on a 34-acre campus. Programming will emphasize nature therapy, food as medicine, animal-assisted therapy and farming therapy. Plans include three primary buildings: a 15,750-square-foot educational building, a 

15,050-square-foot residential building and a 2,400-square-foot administrative building.

Millman noted that the project will be built to Passive House standards, made possible through the NYSERDA grant.

“At its core, harnessing nature and building passively is economical, environmentally responsible and central to our mission of creating a place of healing that works with the natural environment as an active partner in recovery,” said Millman.

According to Millman, the design will use insulation, airtight construction and solar heat to reduce energy consumption by 70 to 90 percent compared to conventional buildings. The campus will be all-electric and include ENERGY STAR water fixtures, energy recovery ventilation, ground-source heat pumps and rooftop and carport-mounted solar panels.

“This fits with our therapeutic mission,” Millman said. “When a space feels quiet, steady and connected to nature, it supports emotional regulation, better sleep, improved focus and a stronger ability to engage in therapy and learning. In this way, the building itself becomes part of the therapeutic team.”

Across the county in a separate state award, the Village of Liberty will receive $1,497,159 in Community Development Block Grant funding for Phase 2 of its Water System Improvements Project. The funding will be used to address deficiencies in the village’s water distribution system.

Liberty Director of Public Works David Burke said the project is a continuation of ongoing efforts to modernize aging infrastructure.

“These funds will allow the Village to resolve deficiencies within the distribution system and continue improvements that are critical to providing reliable service for residents,” Burke said.