The Pickaway County Community Foundation unrestricted fund in conjunction with the Yamarick Family Fund and the Chris Gary Memorial Fund are pleased to announce the issuance of a grant in the amount of $7,750 for the assistance in the support of the Foundations 4 Youth Program.
The Pickaway Area Recovery Services, Inc. (PARS), Circleville Police Department and Circleville City Schools have partnered to rent a building where youth can come and be in a safe, drug free environment, to do homework, meet with friends, have fun and just “hang out”. This space will provide youth with a charging center for their electronic devices, food, clothing (if needed), referrals to medical, dental, and behavioral health issues.
The Circleville Police Department and PARS will have a lead person every night that the Center is open. There will also be volunteers from various places such as churches, the community, and educational institutions. Transportation will be provided by the police department, PARS and churches in the community. Some will also be dropped off from school along with stops for pick-up.
“I am excited about the number of youth who have already taken advantage of the drop in center. We are averaging over 100. We thought 20 would be great. The youth benefit from the positive role models from PARS employees and Police Officers. Also, the youth have a safe place to have a positive, drug free environment in which to fellowship with their peers and others,” says Barry Bennett, Director of PARS.
The drop in center is located at 459 East Ohio Street that is on the PICCA campus.