BNtheMix.com/ November 3, 2017 – Donors are uniting for Youth Town’s Extra Mile Campaign to help teens overcome drug and alcohol addiction. A two-month campaign will raise $300,000 for teens and families to find hope through the Christ-centered, residential treatment program.
According to Executive Director Pepper Pratt, “This campaign focuses on families, facilities, and future. For families: Each week, we receive calls from families who do not have the ability to pay and do not have insurance. These kids need help, too. For facilities: Our facilities constantly need improvement. Although we budget for ongoing maintenance, there are times HVAC units die. Currently, our security camera system needs to be replaced, and Eden needs a new clinical building. For the future: We have a vision to help more kids. Last year there were more than 10,000 kids in Tennessee who needed treatment services but were unable to access help for financial reasons. We can do more to help them.”
With a staff of therapists, psychiatrist and medical personnel and an accredited on-campus school (George Thomas, Jr. Academy), Youth Town annually serves more than 150 teens ages 12 to 18. Boys are housed at the Pinson campus, Jericho, and the girls’ campus, Eden, opened two years ago in Beech Bluff. Both programs are full, serving 12 girls at Eden and 32 boys at Jericho each month.
Youth Town has helped many teens find the faith to take positive steps. One of the first girls to complete the Eden program earned a 36, the highest possible score on the ACT. In the boys’ program, stories include returning to regular school, being involved in sports and continuing to make progress in aftercare programs.
“Raising $300,000 in two months is one of our most ambitious campaigns yet, but we have faith in the generosity of those who want to battle this disease that can affect any family at any point. This campaign builds on the legacy of supporters who have helped young people for more than 50 years,” Pratt added. “As we approach the season of giving through the Extra Mile campaign, we can make an even greater impact in the lives of the teens we serve.”
Individuals may donate to Youth Town’s Extra Mile campaign by logging on to youthtown.net/ExtraMile. The donation period continues through December. More information on how young people are served is available at youthtown.net, facebook.com/YouthTownTN, @youthtownoftennessee on Instagram or @JerichoYT on Twitter.