BULLHEAD CITY — RISE Services, Inc., inaugurated in February, its new Opportunity Center at 3090 Highway 95 in Bullhead City, effectively stepping in to fill the void left by the abrupt closure of Milemarkers in November 2024, according to a report by Mohave Valley Daily News. The center, which offers day programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was unveiled during a ribbon‐cutting ceremony conducted by the Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce. This new facility, along with a concurrently opened center in Kingman at 2403 Stockton Hill Road, has played a crucial role in ensuring continuity of care across Mohave County.
Immediate Response to Service Disruption
Rapid Action Following Milemarkers Closure
When Milemarkers abruptly ceased operations in November 2024, community members and local service providers were left uncertain about the future of essential support for individuals with developmental needs. In response, RISE Services, Inc.—an organization with a long history dating back to its founding in 1987—expanded its operations in Mohave County. As reported by Mohave Valley Daily News, Executive Director Marissa Petty noted, “When (Milemarkers) closed, I received a phone call … then my phone blew up.” This surge of inquiries underscored the urgency of the situation and prompted RISE to quickly broaden its presence in the area.
To ensure that affected families experienced minimal disruption, RISE not only opened the new Opportunity Center in Bullhead City but also established a similar facility in Kingman. Mohave County Program Administrator Jessica Reed confirmed that both centers were set up to immediately address the needs of the community following Milemarkers’ closure.
Facility Features and Service Integration
A Center Designed for Comprehensive Care
The Bullhead City Opportunity Center has been designed to serve as a multifunctional facility catering to diverse needs. The center is organized into two distinct wings, each dedicated to a specific age group. The children’s wing includes a quiet sensory room with calming lighting and specialized decor, a small library for reading and learning, a large activity room, and a separate space tailored for teenagers. The adult wing features its own library, an area for arts and crafts, an exercise section, and a movie room equipped with a popcorn machine to offer a comfortable environment for community gatherings.
This dual-wing design reflects RISE’s commitment to providing practical, professional, and personal growth opportunities for both children and adults. The facility not only meets daily activity needs but also supports the long-term development and independence of its users.
Integration of Former Milemarkers Staff
In an effort to maintain service quality and familiarity for existing clients, RISE Services, Inc. integrated many former Milemarkers employees into its team prior to the opening of the new centers. Reports indicate that these staff members were hired before Thanksgiving 2024, ensuring that the transition was as smooth as possible. This strategic move preserved the expertise and established practices that families had relied upon, thereby maintaining continuity of care during a potentially disruptive period.
Local Leadership and Community Impact
Strong Support from Community Leaders
The reopening of community support services has garnered robust backing from local officials and stakeholders. Bullhead City Vice Mayor Dan Alfonzo welcomed the new Opportunity Center, emphasizing the importance of having reliable support systems in place for local families. “We’re glad to have you in Bullhead City,” Alfonzo remarked, extending an offer of assistance should any issues arise with the facility’s integration into the city’s service network.
Additionally, Bo Hellams, President and CEO of the Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce, noted that his office received a significant number of calls from concerned family members following Milemarkers’ closure. The swift response by RISE Services has alleviated these concerns and helped restore confidence in the continuity of critical community services.
Broader Economic and Social Benefits
The continuity of care provided by the new Opportunity Centers is not only vital for individuals requiring support but also contributes to the overall economic stability of Mohave County. Reliable day services enable family members to manage their daily responsibilities more effectively, which in turn supports local employment and community engagement. By addressing a major service gap, RISE has helped to stabilize the local support infrastructure and mitigate the economic disruptions that often accompany sudden changes in community services.
Future Prospects and Collaborative Initiatives
Plans for Ongoing Service Enhancement
Looking ahead, RISE Services, Inc. has signaled plans to further expand and enhance its programming in Mohave County. Future initiatives are expected to include additional therapeutic, vocational, and community outreach programs that will broaden the scope of services offered at the Opportunity Centers. These planned enhancements aim to build on the current foundation and foster long-term improvements in both service quality and community well-being.
— Jeremy Webb
