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Local peer‑support center Hook Pines asks supervisors for visibility as it expands services
Summary
Sherry Cook told the board about Hook Pines, a free peer‑style mental health and recovery space in Bluegreen, saying the center currently hosts classes with about 28 attendees and serves roughly 75 people; she asked the budget committee to visit and consider the program as staff review appropriations for human services.
Sherry Cook of Bluegreen told the board on June 16 about Hook Pines, a community drop‑in center that offers free refreshments, talks and classes focused on depression, suicide prevention and addiction recovery.
"I'm Sherry Cook, and I'm from Bluegreen, Virginia," she said, introducing herself to the board. She described the space as a coffee‑house format where volunteers lead talks and attendees listen, and said everything at the center is provided free of charge.
Cook told the board that regular speaking sessions draw about 28 people when held and that the broader group of people served is about 75 and growing as the program considers expansion into an adjacent storefront. "Right now, we have classes. Usually, we have at least 28 people... About the people we're sure is about 75 right now," she said.
Board members responded positively and discussed attending a session. A member asked whether Hook Pines had coordinated with town leadership; Cook said she had and that the town was supportive. County officials encouraged the presenter to provide documentation so the budget committee could consider the center when reviewing human‑services appropriations.
The public comment did not include a formal funding request at the meeting; Cook said the organization is funded primarily by board members and volunteers and is seeking to offset operating costs as it grows.
