YES Home Announces Historic Expansion Funded by Community Partners

The expansion will double the ability to care for youth and add 10 jobs to the local economy

(Aurora, Ind.) - The YES (Youth Encouragement Services) Home announced today a historic $1.5 million expansion making it the largest growth project in its 45-year history, doubling its ability to care for youth and adding 10 jobs to the local economy.

The YES Home expansion, which will help local youth stay in the community as they receive trauma-based care, life skills and hope, was funded by community partners through a matching grant program supported by the United Way Greater Cincinnati Southeast Indiana and Cari Beth’s Blessings.

YES Home Director Amy Phillips explained the local impact, “The newly funded expansion has a sincere and important impact locally; families and children in need no longer risk being shipped to another area of the state when emergency needs or court directed care services arise.” Phillips explained that the growth of the YES Home has a dramatic effect in successful results of providing evidence-based care for children when they stay near their support network. Prior to the ability to double in size, the YES Home often experienced times when they could no longer accept additional youth because the facility was at full capacity.

This important and needed growth was funded by two longtime YES Home community partners that worked in collaboration with a 1:1 matching donation.

United Way Advancement Director, Karen Synder commented, “The United Way is pleased to partner with Cari Beth’s Blessings and the YES Home, as we have for so many years, to update the facility and provide better outcomes for youth and their families.” The expansion will add bedrooms, a second independent living apartment to learn self-reliant living skills and upgrades to multiple areas of the residence. Local supporter Cari Beth Baylor remarked, “The YES Home has been important in my heart for over 40 years, and I am grateful to be able to assist in these helpful and hope filled initiatives.”

The project is scheduled for completion early in 2027. This funding is strictly for the renovation project and does not cover the costs of outfitting the home with an additional 10 bed frames and mattresses, bedding, dressers, and other household items. As they move forward, the YES Home will be raising funds for those additional needs as well.

For more information about the YES Home, visit YES Home | Group Support Home for Youth | 11636 County Farm Rd, Aurora, IN 47001, USA