The Centers in Ocala has announced the newest addition to services to assist youth statewide in difficult placement situations. The organization’s new shelter care program, one of just a few in Florida, will provide a temporary place to live for youth aged 10-17 struggling with social issues. The youths that the program will serve normally have no other place to go.
“We are looking forward to playing our role in turning around the lives of displaced children in Florida,” said The Centers CEO and Medical Director Donald J. Baracskay II.
The Centers is working to ensure these children and teens who are in between permanent placement will have a safe place to stay. As part of the program, The Centers is partnering with the Florida Department of Children and Families, which will place youths looking for foster care or waiting for new foster placement into the program. The organization is also partnering with Kids Central, Inc., to provide a temporary residence for KCI’s displaced children in dependency care, as well as partnering with Lutheran Services Florida.
The program is located on The Centers’ main campus and will house up to 12 youths. Food, shelter, supervision and family visiting hours will be provided. Additionally, The Centers will work to get those in the program into the schooling they need.
The Centers will be hosting a supply drive for the program at the Third Annual Be You! Walk on Friday, April 6 at Citizens’ Circle in downtown Ocala. The organization is asking the Ocala community to help by donating art supplies, books, games, movies, playing cards and more.
