LINCOLN NE (November 3, 2014) – Without concern for a youth or family’s ability to pay for care, CEDARS has provided critical Emergency Shelter services to youth in the community for over 67 years. One of the ways CEDARS has been able to sustain that commitment is with the help of basic center, a program of the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB). This October CEDARS was awarded a basic center federal grant to continue that work.
Two types of programming are offered to youth in need through this particular funding. Homeless or runaway youth in need of CEDARS Emergency Shelter are offered a safe place to stay where qualified and dedicated professionals are available 24 hours a day to meet their physical, developmental and emotional needs. For youth who are still in their families, but are struggling to maintain that stability, CEDARS is able to go into the family home to offer family support.
CEDARS worked with 50 families and youth last year to provide shelter and other services through the Basic Center grant. During their time of care, youth are exposed to many opportunities to learn and grow including self-management, skill development, identification and expression of emotions, and positive socialization. CEDARS also provides support to youth through their transition into a long-term, permanent care setting, including such aftercare services as respite care, community resource referrals, support groups and outpatient therapy.
CEDARS has provided care for children and youth in crisis for over 67 years, and operates the only emergency shelter for unaccompanied children in Southeast Nebraska. This year CEDARS will provide services to nearly 2,500 children and their families. For more information call 402-434-5437.
