Arukah Institute received a $2 million federal funding award on Tuesday to support major renovations at its Princeton facility, with Congressman Darin LaHood on hand to present the check after getting the funding through legislation.

The funding will turn Arukah’s recently purchased building into a centralized hub for mental and behavioral health services serving a multi-county region.

Specifically, renovation plans include creating a single main entrance, improving navigation within the building and expanding dedicated spaces for therapy, psychiatry and group sessions. The project will also include an outdoor green space designed for therapeutic use.

LaHood said the project was years in the making and required navigating a lengthy federal process.

“It was a labor of love to get it done and a lot of hard work,” LaHood said. “We started about three years ago when I visited and they made their request.”

He said the legislation was initially submitted for the fiscal year 2024 but stalled because of the federal government shutdown. It was resubmitted again in 2025 and ultimately advanced through the full legislative process.

“I went before the House Appropriations Committee and had to advocate for the $2 million,” LaHood said. “Then it had to go through committee, be voted on the House floor and eventually go over to the Senate. We worked it all the way through, and in the end, we were successful.”

Princeton Mayor Ray Mabry was there during the check presentation and emphasized the broader impact of the project.

“It’s great for the entire region,” Mabry said. “Arukah is not just for Princeton. It serves about 210,000 people.”

“When you look at the value of dollars and the commitment made at this level, it saves taxpayers so much more money down the road,” he said. “It’s a great investment for all of us.”

Arukah’s Interim CEO Pat Schou echoed the same sentiment

“We want to make this for the community,” Schou said. “What is most important is meeting mental health needs and giving people a place for recovery, prevention and support.”

According to Schou, construction on the facility is expected to begin during the summer this year and take up to 18 months until completion.