Waterford residents press board to reverse ENCORE closure as Catholic Charities explores takeover

On June 9, 2025, the Waterford Township Board of Trustees heard an emotional, hours-long public comment period after Supervisor Bartolotta told the board Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan had expressed interest in operating the ENCORE adult day program the township voted to discontinue on May 27, 2025, with an effective date of Aug. 27, 2025.

Paul Propson, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, told trustees his agency is willing to assume operation and seek community donations and fee revenue to sustain services. "We're willing to do more than we had imagined we could last year," Propson said, describing the agency's existing programs and a willingness to collaborate with the township.

Many current and former ENCORE staff, volunteers, caregivers and participants spoke to the board during the meeting's public-comment period. Erin Asdell, who identified herself as a Waterford resident and ENCORE coordinator for 30 years, disputed elements of the legal review the township had received and described safety improvements and staff training at the Leggett campus. "All of our staff at Leggett Campus are trained in first aid, CPR, and AED," Asdell said, and she stated the program continued to follow reimbursement and inspection processes relevant to its Medicaid waiver billing.

Speakers described ENCORE as a daily respite and social program that families rely on. Robin McGregor, speaking on behalf of ENCORE, called it a "lifeline" for caregivers and said the program has provided affordable, compassionate services for 40 years. Several speakers urged the board to delay or reverse the closure and to work with Catholic Charities to prevent service interruption for vulnerable residents.

Supporters also challenged aspects of the township's public materials and the consultant input that led to the closure decision. Jeffrey Eisenhardt, who identified himself as the spouse of an ENCORE employee, criticized the township's job posting and said some safety issues cited to justify the closure had been addressed. "All of the fire code violations have been rectified or are in the process of being rectified," he said.

Supervisor Bartolotta told the audience that township and Catholic Charities representatives had held two meetings and planned another on Monday at 9 a.m. He said talks were "constructive" and that the board hoped Catholic Charities "will take over the Encore program" so services can continue beyond the Aug. 27 deadline.

The board did not revisit or reverse its May 27 vote during the June 9 open meeting. Instead, trustees received the presentations and the sizable public comment record; the meeting recessed to closed session later in the agenda for unrelated litigation consultation. The board signaled it expected further discussion with Catholic Charities before the next regular meeting.