Hoyleton Youth and Family Services hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, December 18th at 3pm to celebrate the completion of a once in a generation construction project that provides a new therapeutic living environment for vulnerable youth in the foster care system.
The ceremony was attended by Hoyleton Board members and staff, donors, local politicians, clergy from surrounding United Church of Christ churches and several members of Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services, including the Director, Heidi Mueller.
Illinois State Representative Charlie Meier addressed the crowd of approximately 70 people, sharing many details about his personal journey of supporting the Hoyleton mission. DCFS Director Heidi Mueller also spoke during the ceremony stating, “I am so honored to be here. I believe this campus truly meets the individual needs of youth in this residential program.” The highlight of the ceremony was watching two of our residential youth, along with Director Mueller, cut the ribbon to signify the official completion and opening of the campus!
Our residential campus, located in Hoyleton, IL, will allow youth, who are both developmentally and intellectually delayed and have experienced trauma, to heal and grow in a trauma-informed therapeutic environment. The campus includes 6 six-bedroom family style cottages, an administration building with offices, therapy rooms, visitation rooms, a sensory room, large training center, two conference rooms and a small warehouse for equipment and storage. The existing gymnasium on the campus was also renovated.
“We are filled with excitement and gratitude to have this new campus completed,” said Hoyleton Youth and Family Services President and CEO Chris Cox. “We are so appreciative of the funding support we received from the state as well as public and private donors,” added Cox. Funding received from DCFS was key to making the new campus a reality.
Hoyleton’s efforts to provide exceptional care to youth in the residential program was lifted up by Director Mueller who stated, “DCFS is extremely grateful for Hoyleton’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that our most vulnerable youth in southern Illinois receive the best possible care in a setting that matches their unique needs,” added Mueller.
“This is a true turning point for our organization. This new campus will allow our residential program to continue serving youth and families for years to come,” said Monte Mister, Director of Hoyleton’s Residential Services.
“I want to recognize the outstanding work Impact Strategies did to make what has been a dream for so long for so many a reality,” Cox said. Impact Strategies spearheaded the construction of the project, with TWM Engineering and Hurford Architects contributing to the planning and design phases.
The new Hoyleton campus incorporates sustainable features, including solar power and electric vehicle charging capabilities.
The old Administration building, which was built in 1915 and served as the Children’s Home for decades, is slated for dismantling and removal by early spring. Once cleared that land will be used as green space dedicated to recreational activities for youth in the residential program.
