Author Topic: Eckerd Youth alternatives NC program closing  (Read 2577 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline wdtony

  • Posts: 852
  • Karma: +1/-0
    • View Profile
    • http://www.pfctruth.com
Eckerd Youth alternatives NC program closing
« on: September 05, 2010, 10:36:31 AM »
http://www.mtairynews.com/view/full_sto ... eft_column

Lowgap wilderness camp to close

by Tom Joyce
1 day 11 hrs ago (9-4-2010)



Unexpected state budget cuts are leading to the demise of a wilderness camp at Lowgap serving troubled youths, which will soon close and put 45 people out of work.

“We anticipate this closure will be completed by Oct. 2,” said Karen Bonsignori, an official of Eckerd Youth Alternatives, which has operated Camp E-Mun-Talee in Surry County since 1979.

It presently is serving 56 boys, who also will be displaced by the move.

“Unfortunately, times and budget resources are difficult,” Bonsignori added Friday in explaining the reasons for the shutdown.

The Lowgap wilderness camp, on Ramey Orchard Road, had been threatened with closure earlier this year when Gov. Bev Perdue proposed a statewide cut of $7.6 million, and 155 beds, for camps serving troubled teens. This was part of an effort to reduce spending on “social” programs.

Later, funding for the wilderness camp at Lowgap and others in North Carolina was reported to have been left intact after final budget actions this summer in the state General Assembly, and it was thought all would continue operations.

However, a Thursday letter from the N.C. Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention cites “additional budget cuts” it received in programs to provide services for at-risk youth. These occurred in the aftermath of this year’s short session of the Legislature, according to the letter.

“These additional cuts, along with (others) absorbed in the previous year, forced the department to make some difficult decisions,” the letter from the state agency says. “Subsequently, it was determined that funding to Eckerd (Youth Alternatives), along with that of our other partners, would be reduced.”

While state officials had hoped all five camps the Florida-based organization operates in North Carolina would remain open despite the cutback, it has led to what is being called the “difficult” decision to close Camp E-Mun-Talee.

Bonsignori, who is associate vice president of external relations for Eckerd Youth Alternatives, said the company will do everything possible to assist those impacted — both staff members and clients.

“Eckerd is taking extraordinary measures to make this transition as seamless as possible for the 56 youths and the 45 staff members involved,” she said.

“Staff members are being assisted in applying for other open positions within Eckerd’s system of care. In addition, we are working with the youths’ families to help find appropriate placements for the youth.”

The Lowgap wilderness facility approach has involved housing teens in an isolated rural location where they are more prone to learn responsibility and to function positively with others. Typically, they build tents, go on backpacking trips and become involved in community-service projects in addition to furthering their education.

Many success stories have emerged from boys who have lived at the camp, who typically have not benefited from more-conventional programs for troubled teens.

“This consolidation is in no way a reflection on the quality of care that E-Mun-Talee has provided over the years,” Bonsignori said of the closing. “E-Mun-Talee is an excellent program that has helped thousands of at-risk youth turn their lives around.”

The company official added that the surrounding community has played a major role in the Lowgap facility’s operation during the past 31 years as well.

“Eckerd Youth Alternatives deeply appreciates the tremendous community support that has been demonstrated for our youth over the years. We want the local community to know that their kindness and generosity has made a difference in thousands of children’s lives,” Bonsignori said.

The four Eckerd wilderness camps in North Carolina that will remain open are in Candor, Boomer, Manson and Elizabethtown. The Florida company also operates family preservation and reunification services in 10 counties and an adolescent parenting service in Vance County, which will be continued.

Contact Tom Joyce at [email protected] or at 719-1924.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
Pathway Family Center Truth = http://www.pfctruth.com

Offline RobertBruce

  • Posts: 4290
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Eckerd Youth alternatives NC program closing
« Reply #1 on: September 05, 2010, 11:20:06 AM »
Thank God.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline DannyB II

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 3273
  • Karma: +5/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Eckerd Youth alternatives NC program closing
« Reply #2 on: September 05, 2010, 04:49:58 PM »
Quote from: "RobertBruce"
Thank God.


So what is, "Thank God" supposed to mean. Have you any evidence this particular program was abusive or in any way hurting the 56 boys there. It is closing for financial reasons as are many throughout the country. Many types of programs that help kids are being axed do to financial restraints. I don't know if I would be saying "thank god".
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
Stand and fight, till there is no more.

Offline RobertBruce

  • Posts: 4290
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Eckerd Youth alternatives NC program closing
« Reply #3 on: September 05, 2010, 06:52:10 PM »
You may have forgotten about the kid who was crushed to death by a Eckerd staffer who claimed he was following 'standard procedure'. Again, thank God this place is closing down. Hopefully more Eckerd youth camps will follow suit.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »