The Shelter, Inc. Director, Gina Hummel, spoke to Lawrence Central Rotary about the unique role the organization plays in the care of children who are removed from their homes by law enforcement or court action. Gina Is a Kansas University graduate with over 25 years of experience in health and human services.
The mission of The Shelter, Inc. is to improve the lives of children and families in Douglas and Northeast Kansas, with a focus on children at risk. The organization was created in 1981 to address the needs of children who were in the temporary custody of law enforcement or due to court action. There was simply no place to take those children. Two residential homes were set up and staffed, one for boys and the other for girls, ages 10-18. The residences can accommodate a total of 28 children, serving an average of 300 children a year. These children have often suffered abuse and have significant behavior problems. The staff work hard to create as much normalcy as possible and provide counseling, tutoring, and other support. The Shelter, Inc. also provides foster care and adoption services. Emergency funding is available to families in crisis as well as assessment and referral services. Staff is available on call 24 hours a day. Prevention and diversion support is also available to first-time juvenile offenders. Gina Hummel noted that the State system is under severe stress and that early intervention and support is critical but greatly underfunded. The organization is funded by a combination of sources including County, City, State pass through dollars and a Festival of Trees holiday fundraiser. Shelter, Inc is moving in June to improved facilities at 1925 Delaware.
The organization is funded by a combination of sources including County, City, State pass through dollars and a Festival of Trees holiday fundraiser. Shelter, Inc is moving in June to improved facilities at 1925 Delaware.
For more information about this local resource, their website is: https://www.theshelterinc.org/
