George Junior Republic has been awarded a grant by Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission and Beacon Health Options to provide long-term residence and care for up to 15 adults who are dealing with a mental health diagnosis and a criminal justice matter, according to an announcement made by the organization.

The 15-bed facility will be located in Grove City and is expected to open sometime in the fall, but no specific date was provided.

The future residents of the facility, known as a Long-Term Structured Residence, will be referred to the program from nine counties in the area, including Butler. The point of the program is to provide a highly structured, secure residential treatment facility where up to 15 residents will be given psychiatric, therapeutic and medical attention along with recreational opportunities.

According to the announcement, the nonprofit was chosen because it can provide safety and security while also being able to provide mental health treatment, nursing and peer support services.

The program will help people focus on achieving the ability and stability to address and resolve their legal issues within the adult criminal justice system.

The nonprofit was created in 1909, and each year the organization serves 3,000 youths and families at its 500-acre residential campus in Grove City or through its community-based services located in multiple states and counties. But the new residents will be separated from the other programs and will be under 24-hour, seven days a week surveillance.

“This new service line will extend our mission and provide the organization the opportunity to serve some of those most vulnerable in our local communities. Through the provision of rehabilitative care in a safe and secure environment, GJR in PA recognizes that managing mental illness is a lifelong and life changing condition that for many begins at a young age,” said Nathan Gressel, the company’s CEO, in a prepared statement.