Butlerville, Ind. - A former facility for the developmentally disabled that is now used for military training could house immigrants in transition programs as part of its latest transformation.
Officials at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Jennings County are working with two charities on a program that could help immigrants obtain skills to more easily integrate into U.S. society.
Immigrants would get free housing and could attend schooling at Muscatatuck, while the military would have people to serve as "role players" in training exercises at no cost, said Lt. Col. Chris Kelsey, the Jennings County facility's site manager.
Kelsey told The Republic of Columbus that he has met with Catholic Charities and Exodus International Christian ministry, which work to help Americanize immigrants who want citizenship.
One of the charities or a third party would manage the program, which Kelsey hopes to launch by October 2010.
"We've been to their facilities, and they were here four weeks ago to tour ours," Kelsey said. "I do think this will happen."
The program for immigrants would be the latest change at Muscatatuck, which shifted to its military role after the state closed the home for developmentally disabled that once occupied the site.
The facility has added buildings, research and development capabilities and has partnered with schools and businesses as it builds civilian connections in addition to its military duties.
Kelsey said the idea to add an immigrant program came from efforts nationwide to streamline expenses.
Immigrant-transition programs get a set amount of money each month from the federal government but have to raise money for food and shelter for their clients.
Kelsey said the pilot program would allow immigrants to stay in housing units at Muscatatuck, some of which remain from its old role, and give them access to schooling to pick up welding, woodworking or other technical skills.
"If we can provide housing and facilities for them, they wouldn't have to pay rent, which would make their benefits go a lot farther," Kelsey said.
In return, the military would have people available at no cost to participate in its training exercises.
Kelsey said the Army spent millions last year to hire people to play roles in exercises that try to replicate surroundings soldiers could encounter overseas. The participants help soldiers learn to interact with those of other nationalities and expose them to different languages, customs and values.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
