A southern Illinois state-run facility for people with developmental disabilities is going to remain open.
The newly appointed director of the Illinois Department of Human Services says the Murray Developmental Center in Centralia is no longer on a closure list.
Murray Parents Association president Rita Winkler says they were confident the center would remain open, but they could never be sure.
"Because they just hired a new director of nursing, a psychiatrist, you know, repairing and building things up. But, there will still always this little nagging feeling like, 'oh boy, are we, after the budget, going to be closed, or what is happening'? So, it is wonderful."
Winkler says this proves that a grassroots effort can make a difference in Springfield.
"When we started, I know a lot of people said that's just foolish, it's ridiculous, just accept it and get on with your life. But, we just couldn't, because what they were doing was so wrong. The way they were closing the center, the place they were moving them, it was just wrong. They didn't care if they lived or died, they just wanted that center closed and those people moved. We just kept fighting. Everyday, (we) got up and thought what are we going to do today?"
Winkler says the parents are relieved their children won't be moved into a community-based care facility or moved away from their local area. The center currently houses over 230 residents.
The battle to keep the Murray Center open started in February 2012 when then Governor Pat Quinn announced it would be closed.
