If local teenagers are in trouble, where can they go for help? We had a great meeting with two of the organizers of a project called the Foundry Home during a visit this week. The Foundry Home is going to be an extension of the Cavern City Child Advocacy Center. We met with Programs Supervisor Brandy Ackland and ENMU-BSW Intern Brittany Suniga and learned that the program will focus on youth between 12 and 17 years-old who need help. There, youth can receive emergency shelter, support and counseling. A federal grant is making the program possible.
The program will primarily serve youth of Eddy and Lea Counties, but children from other counties will also be considered. Each stay will be 21 days. Youth may arrive freely at the location for eligibility screening or use the National Safe Place process to reach a temporary shelter and crisis service. These young people will receive onsite health and mental health services. They will also receive online schooling.
Each child will have his or her own private room, and the facility has a capacity of 12 at one time. There will be separate male and female hallways. Foundry Home staff will provide outreach and prevention programs in the community. If you have any questions about the Foundry Home or would like to assist, please contact Programs Supervisor Brandy Ackland at Brandy@senmcac.com. They are looking at holding a ribbon cutting and open house when the situation permits it.
We are so thrilled to hear about this new program coming to Carlsbad. Foundry Home “Made for More” has the philosophy that all young men and women have so much potential ahead of them. The program is currently making finalizing its facility and hopes to be open within a few months.
The Child Advocacy Center itself is dedicates to providing fact finding interviews for children and adolescents when there is suspected abuse or neglect, or if they are witness to a crime. The Center serves as a Rape Crisis Center and handles Domestic Violence examinations. It’s a small staff that helps many people in many different ways. The Carlsbad office is located at 1313 W. Mermod and there is a sister facility in Hobbs. While the program does a great deal of good in our community, many people still aren’t aware of the fact that they exist. You can learn more about them by visiting www.senmcac.com. If you are looking for a program that helps kids – this is a great service.
Thanks again to Zelma Lopez and everyone with the Child Advocacy Center for doing so much good for the youth of Carlsbad.
COVID update: There were 27 positive COVID-19 tests reported for Eddy County on Wednesday and 23 positive COVID-19 tests reported on Tuesday. The case total this week has been high across the entire state. Additionally, there will be a press conference by the Governor late Thursday afternoon.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway