SCAN opens new facility

After years of migrating from different office spaces, Serving Children and Adults in Need, a local social services organization, established roots in its brand new, permanent home.

The grand opening of SCAN’s new 14,000-square-foot facility Monday was attended by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, city and county officials as well as the organization’s zealous administration and staff.

The itinerant past of SCAN led its president and chief executive officer, Isela Dabdoub, to envision a permanent home for the organization, one that would consolidate under one roof its 175 employees, who have until now been spread out over several buildings.

“Today marks the culmination of a plan that was eight years in the making,” Dabdoub said.

“This office houses all of our prevention, intervention and behavioral health staff, as well as all of the administrative staff of SCAN. We are not truly under one roof in Webb County.”

The facility and the 1.2 acres of land it was constructed on cost SCAN $1.5 million.

It was paid for through a combination of contract work, fundraising and donations, according to Dabdoub.

Now that the organization is freed from the arduous task of paying rent, it can focus its attention solely on the services provided, Dabdoub added.

“We used to be paying about $16,000 per month in rent,” she said.

“Now that money will go to enhancing or expanding our services.”

Representatives from SCAN previously hoped to move into a vacant, nearly 20,000-square-foot office space at 6410 McPherson Road, however, the property owner did not want drug rehabilitation services in the area.

With an annual budget of more than $8 million, SCAN has more than 30 programs providing services in 14 different counties across South Texas.

Luis Flores, executive vice president of SCAN, said he is grateful to Dabdoub for all she has sacrificed for the organization.

“I didn’t think this would be possible when she hired me in 1993,” Flores said of the move to the new facility.

“She is the hardest working person I know.”

He added that the new facility is something future SCAN leaders and staff will be able to enjoy and advance.

The organization was formed in 1982 with a mission to prevent child abuse and neglect and to provide counseling and mental health services for children and teenagers.

Cuellar, a founding board member, said the construction and move to the new facility is a milestone for SCAN.

“Since its inception, SCAN has continued to expand, in geographical size as well as in the scope of services that it provides,” Cuellar said.

“I am thrilled to see SCAN benefit from a new facility that will allow for greater collaboration and a stronger organization.”

Cuellar commended the hard work and passion Dabdoub, Flores and the entire SCAN staff have tirelessly exhibited in serving the community.

LINK: http://www.lmtonline.com/news/local/article_a101483c-772f-11e5-bd08-5fda28f19b1f.html