MISSOULA, Mont. — A new therapeutic shelter for kids in crisis in Missoula moved closer to opening as Youth Homes launched a capital campaign and honored a longtime leader tied to the project.
The new building is called the Birnbaum Youth Home. It is named for former executive director Geoff Birnbaum.
Organizers reported the project had reached about 85% of its $4 million fundraising goal. Leaders said they were working to raise the remaining amount with hopes of opening the shelter as soon as this fall.
Youth Homes CEO Amy Schaer said a grant helped move the project forward.
“A year ago, we applied and received a $750,000 grant from the Department of Public Health and Human Services to, help us get this going. Fast forward a year, we are 85% of the way fundraised towards our 4 million, $4 million goal. And, truly, it’s been a community effort,” she said.
Mike Birnbaum, the son of former Youth Homes CEO Geoff Birnbaum, said the shelter fills an important need for young people who do not have support at home.
“Everybody wants to feel safe. Everybody wants to feel connected and and included. And the youth homes provides that for kids that don’t have that from their legal guardian or, or family,” he said.
Youth Homes launched the campaign as it continued pushing toward the final stage of fundraising. More information about Youth Homes could be linked here https://youthhomesmt.org/.
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