Forks council okays staff to draft support letter for Reflections counseling program amid mixed public comment

Mayor T.J.K. Fletcher and the Forks City Council authorized city staff to draft a letter of support for Reflections Counseling Services Group’s R.E.A.L. program funding application on Feb. 23, following public comment that included both appeals for help and calls for caution.

Stephanie Akin, a recovery navigator with Reflections, asked the council to back the application, saying the R.E.A.L. program faces severe funding cuts and needs municipal support to continue serving people with co-occurring mental-health and substance-use disorders. Sarah Huling told the council she has personal concerns about Reflections and urged elected officials to get additional information before offering official support.

Attorney/Planner Fleck summarized ways the program has demonstrated effectiveness for people with co-occurring diagnoses, and Police Chief Rowley added that his experience working with Reflections informed his support. After discussion, Council Member Soha moved and Council Member Patel seconded a motion authorizing the mayor and city staff to draft a letter of support; the motion carried.

The council did not adopt policy changes or pledge funding; it authorized staff to prepare a letter in support of Reflections’ grant application. Next steps specified in the meeting record are limited to drafting the letter and do not bind the city to provide financial assistance. The council may consider further action if additional information or formal funding requests are brought forward.