To the Editor:

As a former elected official, I truly understand how important it is that the town leaders and administration officials monitor and protect every tax dollar spent. I appreciate the hard work and the fiduciary responsibility that is always placed at the forefront of budgetary decisions. But, I am asking that we do everything in our power to keep Corner House Behavioral Health from being dismantled or simply disappearing.

I have been a proud supporter of Corner House for almost 40 years. I have seen the lives of so many people transformed and getting a new lease on life. In the news, there are daily reports about the negative impacts from drugs, alcohol, and mental health issues. We need Corner House. Our young children, the most precious asset we have, are looking for meaningful ways to give back to society.  Through Corner House Leadership programs they are finding a purpose and a mission to succeed.

We need Corner House. Sometimes we cannot measure in dollars and cents the true magnitude of the success Corner House has had on Princeton and the surrounding communities. Consider the drug addict who now owns a successful business and has two lovely children. Think also about the girl that used to cut herself who now is a counselor helping others. I look at my own family member who couldn’t control his temper as a youth who now is a hardworking chef and health care provider.

We need Corner House. We have seen children at risk who would otherwise fail in society, but they get the proper support and coaching from Corner House and are achieving great things. They are accountants, lawyers, teachers, beauticians, military service personnel, police officers, and the list goes on and on.

We need Corner House. I am asking that we all come together as a community and help the town save this institution that has honestly saved so many for years. 

Lance Liverman
Witherspoon Street

The writer is a former Princeton Councilman.