FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 21, 2009
CONTACTS:
Eric Klooz
Executive Director
(605) 996-2486, ext. 114
Allen Lepke
Development Director
(605) 996-2486, ext. 120
April 21, 2009
CONTACTS:
Eric Klooz
Executive Director
(605) 996-2486, ext. 114
Allen Lepke
Development Director
(605) 996-2486, ext. 120
ABBOTT HOUSE EMBARKS ON CAMPAIGN FOR TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE
Mitchell, S.D. – Abbott House leaders have embarked on the $7.8 million “Another Chance at Youth” campaign to provide for the necessary improvements and resources for the organization to implement a Trauma-Informed Care program. A significant gift from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, announced today, will be used to help the organization meet its campaign goal.
“We are thrilled and tremendously thankful for this unprecedented gift from the Helmsley Charitable Trust,” said Abbott House Executive Director Eric Klooz. “This gift has given us a great start to our campaign. Now, we need help from the citizens of South Dakota to fully implement a Trauma-Informed Care program that will give more at-risk young girls ‘Another Chance at Youth.’”
Abbott House, a residential treatment program in Mitchell, S.D., provides services to at-risk girls from age 9 through 17 years old. Implementing a new Trauma-Informed Care program will help youth at Abbott House, many of whom have suffered past sexual, emotional or physical abuse, heal from these psychologically and socially traumatic experiences as part of the treatment process. The planned model will incorporate more family involvement and specialized relationship-building opportunities into the treatment process to provide patients with the specialized care they need to successfully recover.
The $7.8 million “Another Chance at Youth” campaign will provide for improvements necessary to successfully implement the planned model:
· A new Intensive Care Living Unit to provide specialized services for severely troubled girls.
· A new Family Care Addition where families can stay while their daughters are undergoing therapeutic treatment at Abbott House.
· Additional staff to organize and facilitate programs for the new Intensive Care Living Unit.
· An increased endowment to sustain new programs implemented as part of the Trauma-Informed Care model.
· An increased annual fund to provide for new programs, classroom equipment, supplies and furnishings.
· Enhancements and renovations to the current facility to enable leaders to offer the most efficient facilities and modernized equipment.
Leaders plan to break ground on the Intensive Care Living Unit and the Family Care Addition this summer. Also, resumes are being accepted for additional staff members at the Intensive Care Living Unit.
The “Another Chance at Youth” campaign is seeking funds from individuals, businesses and foundations. Pat and Lori Essig and Ross and Kari Ulrich serve as campaign co-chairs. With the support of businesses and individuals from across South Dakota, Abbott House can continue to provide the best possible treatment for its young residents, strengthen families and help girls return to life in the community with an improved ability to cope and succeed.
For more information about Abbott House or the “Another Chance at Youth” campaign, please contact Eric Klooz or Allen Lepke at (605) 996-2486.
Abbott House is a private charity that provides residential treatment services to girls from age of 9 through 17 years old. Located in Mitchell, South Dakota, the agency was founded in 1939 as a memorial to renowned social activist, Grace Abbott. The agency provides intensive treatment and foster care in a therapeutic home. The Abbott House is truly dedicated to providing services that promote personal development and foster responsible participation with others to children and families.
