Shelter
Serving Abused Children
Our Donald W. Reynolds Caring Center provides temporary and emergency shelter to abused and homeless youth ages 0 to 18 that are in DHS or OJA custody. These children are offered a place of safety during uncertain and turbulent times. Additionally, counseling services within Youth & Family Services may be accessed as necessary and often make the difference in assisting these children on their path to healing and recovery. We are also a designated runaway basic center.
A Parent in Canadian county may utilize the shelter for their children for up to 48 hours in a crisis situation. This can often provide the parent and child with the critical time they need to de-escalate and gain a new perspective on a difficult situation. Parents may contact the Shelter directly and visit with the Shelter Coordinator to see if their circumstance meets our program criteria for admission.
The Emergency Shelter averages 200 children a year from throughout the State of Oklahoma.
Neglected Children Begin a Journey of Healing
Siblings Abigail, age 4, and Timmy, age 3 were severally abused and neglected. Although Timmy had a sweet personality, the early years of abuse had left its scars, certain areas of a home would cause him to have severe crying episodes if he was taken near them.
With a lot of work, love, and compassion, we were able to show Timmy that his home could be a safe place free from being abused. Abigail learned she could play and be a kid. Abigail and Timmy were later fostered by two loving people and were soon adopted. Today, Timmy and Abigail spend more time smiling and enjoying their childhood.
Abused Youth Dreams BIG!
Antonio, age 16, was removed from his adoptive home because he was being abused. When he came to Youth & Family Services, it was obvious that Antonio was passionate about living his life to the fullest; he had goals and dreams of playing football and going to college. Antonio just needed someone to believe in him.
When Antonio's high school coach heard Antonio's story, the coach started working out details to foster Antonio. Antonio had faith in the fact that he would someday be able to achieve his dreams. A few months later his coach was able to foster him, and Antonio went on to become an All-Star football player of his high school his senior year. Antonio received a full ride scholarship to college and keeps in close contact with his coach, who helped make his dreams come true.
Hear from the voice of a shelter worker about the job they are called to do! A beautiful poem written by Shannon White, our Assitant Shelter Coordinator.
Shelter News~
Please Give
YFS can do so much with your monetary donation. You can donate one time or make a monthly donation using your credit card. Here are some examples of how your donation helps the Shelter.
- $10 - $20 will fund socks and underwear of all sizes, hygiene items, teen clothing extra large sizes, pajamas for boys and girls all sizes, baking or craft project, diapers or a video
- $30 - $50 will buy clothes, shoes, suitcases, duffle bag or backpacks, an outing or an electronic games
- $100 - $200 will fund an electronic game system
- $50,000 will allow YFS to add a bed to the shelter which will serve 20 kids over a year's time
