NORFOLK, Neb. -- A program aimed at helping others is looking to get financial backing from Madison County.

Rob Barrows the executive director of The Connection Project in Norfolk met with Madison County Commissioners Tuesday to talk about the peer respite program.

The program would build on the connection project's operations which currently works as a wellness center.

The connection project provides a safe place for those facing mental health issues and substance abuse, as well as a food pantry, day services for individuals, and more. 

The peer respite program would build upon the connection program by providing a place for these people to stay and make the needed changes in their lives.

"Our goal is to move on to what's referred to as hospital diversion services," Barrows said. "The peer respite is going to be a peer-staff program. It's going to be a lower level of care that somebody can utilize instead of utilizing the behavioral health unit at the hospital."

Barrows said this program's goal would be to help those individuals with peer support and transition them into being ready for the next stage of their life.

Barrows claimed peer respite would be available to anyone needing it in Madison County or surrounding counties. He also said they would not be billed.

"We are looking at several hundred people that would utilize our service as opposed to emergency services at the hospital," Barrows said.

The Connection Project was hoping to receive $100,000 over two years. However, county commissioners said they wanted to wait before making a commitment.

The commissioners made a motion to table the issue, which was unanimously approved.