Fundraising effort keeps Klamath Falls youth center open

Klamath Falls, Ore. – Funding for the I.Y.S. youth center on East Main Street in Klamath Falls ran out earlier this year.

“Integral Youth Services, or I.Y.S., is a non-profit that works with at-risk youth,” explained I.Y.S. Interim Executive Director Larry Zeilstra.

The center is located just across from Mills Elementary School.

Zeilstra said the center gets a lot of use. “We get about 50, 60 kids on average each day.”

The kids get a USDA approved meal, help with homework, and a safe place to play.

It costs about $10,000 a month to keep the center open.

“I was in total shock how much the community wanted the youth center to stay open,” noted Zeilstra on the fundraising effort. “And we raised $120,000.”

But, Zeilstra points out the funding is only a temporary fix. “We’re stable funding for this year – after this year, we have to do it again.”

But for now, the kids are happy the center is still open.

The youth center plans to host an ‘appreciation event’ this fall to thank the community for their support.

You can learn more about Integral Youth Services, and the youth center at:  www.iyskfalls.org

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