The Vinfen dialog continues. — Photo by Donald Norton

By Jim Clark

The state’s Department of Mental Health (DMH), along with healthcare corporation Vinfen, is reportedly taking the need to improve alleged poor supervision issues at the group home at 155 Central St. very seriously.

The home has had a shaded history involving neighbors being harassed and assaulted by residents of the home.

Community meetings held over the course of the past several weeks have brought pressure to bear on the beleaguered facility to get control of its residents and make assurances to its neighbors that such incidents will not continue to take place.

A Nov. 10 meeting has reportedly yielded some positive results, according to some area residents who attended. Vinfen has apparently agreed to accept no new residents at the facility for the time being, and they have also agreed to eliminate their so-called “respite” service, which allows temporary stay service at the home.

An advisory committee comprised of concerned area residents has been formed, with the intended aim of keeping DMH and Vinfen focused on implementing more changes to ensure the safety of all who live in the area.

The advisory committee will meet again on Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. to continue its dialog with Vinfen and the DMH. The meeting will be held in the Winter Hill Community School, 115 Sycamore St., in the cafeteria (please use the Medford St. entrance).