Community Helps Repair Youth Emergency Shelter In McAlester

Youth Emergency Shelter in McAlester is for kids in need, whether they need structure because things are falling apart at home, or maybe they are in trouble with the law, maybe they just need support, maybe "home," is not a safe place.

"They don't have a lot, they didn't have a family, whatever normal is considered now, they don't know what that is and so we help provide that stability for them," said Bailey.

The shelter serves Pittsburg, Latimer, and McIntosh Counties but it also takes referrals from across the state. It is partially funded by a grant from the Office of Juvenile Affairs but also relies on generosity to stay alive.

"We have to have community support, or we will not survive," said Kristy Cusher with Youth Emergency Shelter.

Green Country believes in the value this non-profit brings to their communities. That value is shown in the way the community shows up to support the shelter, especially during Christmas.

"We have a great community that supports us," said Cusher.

A local church recently installed previously donated cabinets. The shelter is waiting for the installation of a stove and a washer that donors also purchased. If you would like to help, there is still a need for new floors in the kitchen and living room, a fire suppression system, and a vent hood.

Community members have sponsored kids, so all 200 of the kids the shelter serves around Green Country have a special Christmas.

"People will call and say, 'Hey I want to take on 3 kids- send me a list,'" said Cusher.

Regardless of whatever is going on in these kids' biological families or school lives, Christmas is one thing they don't have to worry about.