HOULTON, Maine — One of Aroostook County’s most revered and historic buildings is getting a new lease on life with the opening of a mental health and targeted case management agency in Houlton.
Presque Isle resident Tricia Bragan has purchased the Blackhawk Putnam building, located at 22 North St., and after a few months of renovations is about to open the doors to “A New Start.” An open house for the agency will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 22.
“We are a mental health and case management agency for children and adults,” Bragan explained. “Our goal is to help families with mental health or behavioral issues.”
Previously, Bragan worked at Life By Design as a case manager, but felt she wanted to branch out and open her own facility to better serve the public.
“I absolutely love doing what I do,” Bragan said. “It’s hard work, but we are really an extended family here. I want to give back to both the community and the employees.”
Clients must qualify for MaineCare in order to receive services, she explained. For adults, clients may struggle with things like medicine management or housing issues. Clients also may need help with paying bills and balancing a checkbook.
“For children’s case management, I work with families to find appropriate resources to help be their voice,” Bragan said. “Maybe they have not had support in the past, whether it is children with intellectual disabilities or autism, we can help find resources for them.”
A New Start will collaborate with the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office with its “Wanderer’s Program.” That program aids police as families can register a loved one with autism or any disability with police in the event of an emergency.
Bragan said she already has a clientele of 100 people, with referrals coming in almost daily. Because of this volume, Bragan said she will need to hire additional staff.
Historical significance
The Blackhawk Putnam building is believed to be the oldest building in Aroostook County. Despite the passage of time and a number of fires that leveled buildings in the community over the past two centuries, the Blackhawk Putnam Tavern remains standing at 22 North St.
After his return to Houlton, Col. Blackhawk Putnam bought and sold farms, was the original director and founder of the Houlton Water Co. and ran the Blackhawk Putnam Tavern, according to Cora M. Putnam’s book, “The Story of Houlton, Maine.” The tavern originally was constructed in 1813 for Aaron Putnam by Samuel Wormwood, a master carpenter.
A Federal period building, the 3-1/2 story wood frame structure had both its exterior and interior trim remodeled in the Greek Revival style. In 1836, the building was used as the first courthouse in northern Maine, complete with a jail in the basement
Sitting high on a small hill overlooking the Meduxnekeag River, the structure most recently was used as a doctor’s office, but has been empty for several months.
“I have always loved this building,” Bragan said. “I looked around at a lot of places and it was the perfect location. I love that we are able to bring this building back to life for the community.”
A New Start is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with additional hours as needed. For information, contact Bragan at 551-3061 or email triciabragan@anewstart.me.
