Youthville announces consolidation and layoffs

October 24, 2011|By Melissa Scheffler | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) — More than 80 years ago, Youthville started as an orphanage. Today, it still helps Kansas children in need. But it will have to do it with fewer employees, like Campus Director Stacey Winter.

"I received a 60--day notice as well, just like the other employees,” Winter said.

Winter is among nearly 80 employees in Newton who were told their services won't be needed next year. Youthville President and CEO Shelley Duncan says this will leave less than 20 employees.

"It's a significant cut,” Duncan said.

Duncan says referrals to Youthville are down 40-percent. The organization survives based on a "daily rate" per student. That’s paid with Medicaid money.

"There's obviously been a real focus on Medicaid spending, not only in Kansas, but throughout the country,” Duncan said.

Youthville will move one of its residential programs to its Dodge City campus. Another will close.

"We will actually be (moving) the children out of our facility by the end of November,” Duncan said.

This move will drastically change the use of this campus. Only one of the four cottages will be used. It will house run-away girls. The Eby Learning Center and Expressive Arts Center will also stay open on the Newton campus.

"I think we're all kind of in the same boat,” Newton Mayor Ken Hall said.

Hall says the city is also seeing a decrease in state funding. But he's not giving up on Youthville.

"They're looking for new programs, trying to kind of re-invent themselves, possibly find new things… new funding,” Hall said.

Meanwhile, Winter hopes to stay with an organization she loves.

"I hope to transition to another position within the agency, probably back in the Wichita office,” Hall said.

Youthville says some employees could find employment in Dodge City.

Youthville's News ReleaseState budgetary constraints have resulted in the reduction of statewide referrals by 250 youth, from January through October, to Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF). This reduction in referrals has forced Youthville to make a tough decision. The agency is closing its PRTF and YRCII services on the Newton Campus. However, Secure Care, a specialized program for runaway youth, Eby Learning Center and Expressive Arts Center will remain open.

Consolidation...

• PRTF will consolidate and move to its Dodge City location by Nov. 30, 2011

• YRCII services will discontinue in Newton by Nov. 30, 2011

• 79 Newton employees will receive 60-day lay-off notices

• Youthville’s HR department will offer on-site support and help as many affected employees as possible to find a job at the agency’s other locations.

• Youthville staff has developed a plan to make the transition as smooth as possible.

• Secure Care, Eby Learning Center and Expressive Arts Center will remain open in Newton.

"We regret the need to consolidate. We understand the disruptions that this will cause in personal lives, the agency’s partners and Newton community," said Rev. Kent Melcher Topeka, Chairman of Youthville’s Board of Directors. "However, low referrals are limiting the agency’s business options. Although the downturn did impact our budget, the agency remains financially sound.“

Plans for Newton…

• Efforts are underway to identify new programs and services on the Newton campus.

“We appreciate all of the support from the Newton community we have received and we look forward to your continued partnership,” said Shelley Duncan, Youthville President & CEO. “We assure you that Youthville staff remain committed to providing high quality programs to youth and families."

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