Missy Rogers, acting CEO of Arc of the Emerald Coast, has informed participants and families that the Milton Adult Training program will close effective October 25, 2024.
“While we tried to do everything possible to cover the losses, we are no longer able to do so,” Rogers stated in a Sept. 25 memo. “”It is with regret that I must information you of our decision…”
Rogers’ memo opened by explaining that several years ago Arc of the Emerald Coast was asked to step in and take over the day program in Milton.
“We have enjoyed every minute of providing services to this community and hope that we have done a great job,” she said.
Rogers went on to explain the financial difficulties her organization had faced after taking over the day program in Milton several years ago.
“As you know, expenses to operate a bnusiness including wages, benefits, insurance, utilities, fuel and other associated costs have continued to rise even though our revenue remained stagnant for two decades,” said Rogers, who directed clients to work with their support coordinator to ensure a “smooth” transition to another provider.
The ADT program had relocated to a county-owned facility earlier this year after Gulf Breeze businessman Eric Herrholz, who had provided free rent for 7 years to Arc, asked the organization to find a new location.
Herrholz had purchased property located at 6225 Dixie Road in Milton after the State of Florida foreclosed on the property in 2017. Records show Arc Santa Rosa, which previously managed the ADT program, had fallen behind in Medicaid and other payments, totaling more than $300,000.
Rogers was unavailable for further comment via Arc of the Emerald Coast or Arc Gateway.
