Plans are coming together for additional Youth Dynamics Inc. facilities, a project made possible through $400,000 of Community Development Block Grant funding and an active $3 million capital campaign for construction of new group homes.
At the Oct. 4 Jefferson County Commission meeting, YDI CEO Dennis Sulser and Major Gift Officer Tim Norbeck discussed their desire to not only improve existing facilities on the South Campus but build two new group homes. This plan is in collaboration with the Jefferson Local Development Corporation. According to the project overview, YDI and JLDC hope to “improve the aesthetics and vitality of the South Campus.”
“This is a wonderful campus for us to have our facilities on,” Sulser told the commission. “It’s a great place for healing children, which is YDI’s purpose.”
According to its mission, YDI “is committed to providing comprehensive and progressive trauma sensitive behavioral health services to meet the ever-changing needs of youth and families.” Such a philosophy is not new to the South Campus. Historically, the South Campus was owned and operated by the State of Montana for the purpose of treating and housing individuals with disabilities. Jefferson County, the JLDC and YDI are currently the major land/building owners, and representatives of each respective organization have expressed intentions to honor such a tradition, with YDI leading the way.
Now in his fourth year as CEO, Sulser said expanding YDI’s presence in Boulder’s South Campus has always been a high priority.
“It’s been a dream of the agency to bolster this campus,” he said. “I see this as a great opportunity for children across the state to grow and heal.”
This dream currently consists of expanding YDIs presence from three group homes to five. Funds are already in place for the fourth home. The fifth home is where Norbeck comes in, as he is responsible for raising $3 million in the next two and a half years.
Norbeck, former Jefferson High School superintendent, said it’s an honor to work with YDI and continue working with the Jefferson County community.
“For me the bottom line is having the opportunity to provide mental health services for adolescents,” he said. “It’s really a great cause. I wouldn’t have left education after 35 years if I didn’t think it was.”
Jefferson County Commissioner Bob Mullen offered his support.
“I know there is a great need out there,” he said, “and, by enhancing your facility, what you’re doing will greatly benefit kids in this state, and I thank you very much for that.”
Sulser added that he hopes this expansion opens up 13 to 15 full-time employees at the facilities, bringing more economic stimulus to the area. Construction on the fourth home is set to begin in early spring of 2023.
