YES Home Hosts Groundbreaking for Historic Expansion Project

The expansion will double the YES Home's ability to care for youth.  

Photo by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3.

(Aurora, Ind.) - A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Monday morning at the YES Home. 

The groundbreaking comes after a $1.5 million expansion that was announced in September, which will double the YES Home's ability to care for youth.  

The expansion is the largest growth project in its 45-year history. 

"I want to thank everyone for coming out and this is such an amazing day for us because we have planned and dreamed about this for over 20 years," said Amy Phillips, YES Home Director. 

RELATED: YES Home Announces Historic Expansion Funded by Community Partners

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

On the left, you see a wing of the YES Home that is ready for renovation. When complete, it will look close to previous renovations that you see on the right. Photos by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3.

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.

Phillips emphasized the need for this expansion at Monday's groundbreaking stating that "it kills her heart" when there are not beds available for youth in need. 

"This is why this is so important, so that our kids can stay in this community and while they work through the healing process of trauma. They also get to stay connected to their schools, they get to stay connected to their community, and that's why this is so important," said Phillips. 

The project, which was originally scheduled for completion early in 2027, is running slightly behind. 

Phillips tells Eagle Country 99.3 the hope is to have renovations complete by the summer of 2027. 

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