Grant to fund almost half the cost of youth shelter project
Family Service’s share of the project cost is $67,500.
YOUNGSTOWN — The Family Service Agency is expected to receive a state mental-health grant that will pay for about half of a $130,000 expansion and renovation project at its shelter for homeless and runaway youths.
The 10-bed shelter on Homestead Avenue, called Daybreak, has served some 7,500 young people since it was opened in 1976, providing them with safe emergency shelter, food and clothing, assistance in resolving crises and beginning long-term services, said David Arnold, Family Service executive director.
The likelihood of funding for the project from the Ohio Department of Mental Health was announced Thursday during a meeting of the Mahoning County Mental Health Board.
“Since Daybreak’s beginning, we have seen an increase in the number of youth who present with serious mental health issues, have psychotropic medications prescribed, and/or are in need of long-term counseling services. At least 75 percent of the youth served are engaged in mental health services or in need of them; about 50 percent take or have taken psychotropic medications,” Arnold said.
In 2003, the Mahoning County Mental Health Board donated property to house Daybreak, and while the accommodations and neighborhood are much improved over its former location, space for counseling offices, recreation and dining area are less than ideal. The basement area is small, with little room for recreational equipment. The proposed addition will address the lack of space and privacy issues it presents, Arnold said.
The estimated cost of the project is $130,000, with a grant of $62,500 anticipated from the state mental-health department. Family Service intends to spend $17,500 in agency funds and seek $50,000 from local foundations to round out the funding for the project, Arnold said.
Ronald Marian, mental health board executive director, said there will be no further cuts in funding for affiliated agencies this fiscal year, which ends June 30. However, he said additional cuts in agency allocations are expected in fiscal year 2010, which runs from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010.
He expects to lose $1.5 million in state funding for fiscal 2010. But, because the financial situation is uncertain, Marian said he will wait as long as possible to present recommendations for local budget cuts to the board.
Marian said he expects to receive about $1.1 million in federal stimulus package money, but that increase will be offset by a cut of a similar amount in state money based on population.
alcorn@vindy.com