Fayetteville, AR. March 12, 2012 –Youth Bridge today announced a $300,000 gift from the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation for its Building Brighter Futures Campaign.
The $300,000 gift from the Walker Foundation will become part of the $1.2 million in private funding Youth Bridge must raise to start construction on its new Washington County complex designed to provide residential, clinical, and educational services to more than 3,000 youth annually.
“We are delighted to support the future plans of Youth Bridge in increasing its ability to serve local area youth,” said Debbie Walker, Walker Foundation Executive Director. “Youth Bridge has a rich history of helping troubled and challenged youth and it is important they continue their good work.”
The proposed 46,000 square feet complex will be located on 40 acres off Don Tyson Parkway in Springdale. The first phase will incorporate a clinical building; a new residential substance abuse treatment center to replace the temporary building on the property; and a multi- purpose building that will function as a school, a cafeteria and a gym together until other phases are completed.
Youth Bridge recently completed a 4,000 square feet Substance Abuse Treatment Center at 3895 George Anderson, Road, which also will become part of the total complex.
Youth Bridge is a non-profit agency that serves youths and their families in the areas of abuse, neglect, addiction, homelessness, mental health issues and behavioral problems. Its services include providing an immediate safe haven for runaways, individualized treatment plans, aftercare and prevention programs, and a transitional living program.
“This is a major undertaking but the many benefits our local community will receive are well worth the investment,” said Scott Linebaugh, Youth Bridge Executive Director. “Returning youth to a healthy home environment and building confidence in the individual is important to everyone.”
Pictured are: (L-R) Mandy Macke, Walker Foundation Grant Administrator; Carrie Eggart, Walker Family Member; Nancy Hairston, Development Director at Youth Bridge; Scott Linebaugh, Youth Bridge Executive Director.