Yes To Youth - Montgomery County Youth Services Holds Open House For Bridgeway Home

CONROE, TX -- YES to YOUTH - Montgomery County Youth Services celebrated the opening of the renovated BridgeWay Home. A 10-year dream has become a reality as many gathered at the event to commemorate the completion of two new cottages, and an activities center. Among those in attendance included Montgomery County officials, board members, supporters, and volunteers.

"It is so exciting to have this incredible space open and available to serve the youth in Montgomery County who need a nurturing and inviting home to gain stability and security. We are incredibly thankful for everybody who made this vision a reality. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of the youth we serve,” says Michele Kooken, Chief Executive Officer of YES to YOUTH.

Many youth, ages 10-17, come to BridgeWay through Child Protective Services. With two new cottages, YES to YOUTH has doubled the capacity of youth in need. The new boys and girls cottages was the first phase of the project. It started with a groundbreaking ceremony in 2019. YES to YOUTH received a Certificate of Occupancy for the cottages on April 21, 2021, and a permit from the State of Texas on May 3, 2021. Residents moved in the new cottages on May 21, 2021!

"The completion of our cottages and activities center is the culmination of years of incredible collaboration between community volunteers, donors, Montgomery County officials, and the construction contractor. YES to YOUTH could not have accomplished this project without the community's support. These buildings will benefit our most vulnerable children for decades to come. We are proud to continue the legacy of the volunteers who started this program, so many years ago," says Penny Wilson, Chief Compliance Officer for the organization.

The second phase included renovations of the existing shelter into an activities center. The building features a commercial-grade kitchen, dining for up to 50 guests, a living room, counseling offices, administrative offices, a sensory room, and a game room with low gaming chairs. The vision for this space is to bring a cohesive family-style experience for the residents. The activities center is where volunteer groups will donate time and talent to the YES to YOUTH's mission while spending time with residents.

For more information, please go to www.sayyestoyouth.org

YES to YOUTH is a community-based human services nonprofit serving Montgomery County since 1979. The mission of YES to YOUTH is to strengthen the emotional and mental health development of youth and families by providing crisis intervention, counseling, and suicide prevention services. They provide a safe and nurturing home where abused, battered, sex-trafficked, homeless, and at-risk youth begin healing from the past and become empowered for the future. Their programs include:

• Individual, Group, and Family Mental Health Counseling
• Group Counseling & Skills Development
• BridgeWay Emergency Youth Shelter (Ages 10-17)
• Decisions, Parenting, & Youth Skills Group Program
• Prevention Presentations & Crisis Counseling in Schools
• 888-756-8682 24-Hour Crisis Hotline
• Suicide Prevention Counseling

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