A behavioral health nonprofit agency has decided to shut the doors of an area facility.

Great Circle has announced that it is ending the operation of its residential treatment program and therapeutic education services on the Tom Butterfield Campus in Marshall by May 31, at the completion of the school year.

Officials say of the 21 residential treatment clients currently being served, six are scheduled to complete the program by the end of school year. The 12 education services clients are all expected to complete the school year.

Officials say Great Circle is experiencing the same workforce shortages felt by human services agencies and other industries in Missouri and elsewhere across the country.

To lessen the impact of the workforce shortage, Great Circle announced in January that it would voluntarily adjust the census for the residential treatment program in Marshall to a maximum of 24 clients to provide much-needed relief for the staff by modifying its program to match the resources available.

It was the organization’s hope that by consolidating resources around a reduced residential capacity that it would be able to manage the anticipated ongoing staffing challenges, provide relief to its existing staff and ensure quality care for the children and youth it serves.

However, considering the current continuing climate, officials with Great Circle said they have no choice but to move forward with the closure of the Marshall campus immediately following the end of the current school year.

Great Circle officials say they will work to retain the affected 62 staff members by offering them positions within the organization to ensure they are able to manage the anticipated ongoing staffing challenges. When employment within Great Circle is not possible, the organization says it will assist with connecting staff with partnering agencies and other employment services.