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September 4, 2012

Youth Shelter nearing its goal

Groundbreaking could happen by year's end

Rebeka Rutledge The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — For nearly three years, Youth Service of Stephens County has been raising funds for their new youth shelter, estimated to cost $1.1 million to build, and they’re still holding onto hopes of breaking ground at the end of this year.

These hopes are fueled by the possible income of a grant they applied for that will get them extremely closer to their financial goal. News of whether or not they have received all, part or none of the grants should be coming in any day now.

“We’re hoping to hear soon and if we do get it, it will put us a whole lot closer to our goal,” said John Herdt, director of Youth Services. “Our other donations have been steady with the monthly donation pledges coming in.”

Should they not get the grant, Herdt said they know they will still eventually get that amount through those monthly pledges. However, to raise the equal amount of the grant, it would take another two years.

“If we don’t get the grant, we’ll plan for other fundraisers before the end of the year,” said Herdt. “We still have the goal to get a shovel in the ground in December or January.”

The slow and steady pace of the fundraising is something Herdt hasn’t stressed over. With all the fundraisers and pledging they have received for the building, he said it’s become a vested interest for the community.

“It takes a long time, but that’s good because there are now a whole lot of people involved in it,” he said. “There are people who have bought rooms and donated anywhere from $20 to $50,000 and that’s great.”

Once they are close to their $1.1 million goal, they will begin the building process, which is estimated to take about eight months. They have already spent some of the money on geographic and architectural fees, which was all part of the budget. The facility will be located on Fifth Street.

“I want to just thank everyone for their continued help on this project,” Herdt said.

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