Youth Home Expansion Needs Community Support [AUDIO]

The Youth Crisis Center in Casper has announced plans for an expansion of the youth home and the capital campaign to help fund it. Several dignitaries were on hand including members of the Natrona County Commission, the Casper City Council and Casper City Manager John Patterson. The guest speaker was retired federal judge the honorable William Downes.

Improve their destiny:

"Seven hundred, over 700 youngsters were helped by this facility last year. They come from difficult environments. They are at-risk kids. They are just as good as our kids. They have just the same amount of potential, and we as a community have an obligation to help them."

The expansion of the facility that has been helping kids in Casper for 29 years is now launching a fundraising campaign.

Time to help local kids:

"I think we ought to express our special gratitude to the Blue Envelope Health Fund that has given seed money of 100,000 dollars to get this campaign kicked off. One-point-three-one-million dollars has to be raised privately. One-point-eight-four-million, approximately, has been provided by one-cent moneys and other funding from governmental entities. Now it's up to us, this community, to step up and raise the rest of the money."

President of the Board of Trustees of the Youth Crisis Center Jim Meador said they need to raise about $900,000 by April to let the contracts and break ground. Checks can be made out to the Youth Crisis Center.

Where to remit:

"First Interstate Bank trust department, you can drop off those checks at their location, and the same with Hilltop National Bank at their trust location."

Mr. Meador also had a message for the community's young people: If you're in any kind of trouble, and you need a safe place to stay while you get things worked out, the present center is there for you. All you need to do is show up at 915 S. McKinley.