Transformation of Historic Reform School Barn into Youth Alternatives Family Center Underway

Agency also announces $2.7 million capital campaign to fund effort to bring services under one roof and keep families together

SOUTH PORTLAND — The transformation of a historic barn at a former reform school in South Portland into the Youth Alternatives Family Center is underway.

Youth Alternatives (YA), a nationally accredited provider of services to children, youth and families throughout Maine, officially kicked off the construction phase at a June 26 event at the site that included Gov. Baldacci and other dignitaries.
YA also announced a $2.7 million capital campaign and unveiled plans to build an administrative annex beside the barn. The agency has raised $1.8 million to date, with contributions of $250,000 from TD Banknorth and $100,000 from the Libra Foundation leading the way so far.

Once renovated, the barn once used as a work farm for boys will become a 12,600 square-foot Family Center focused on providing the physical and emotional space kids and their families need to communicate openly, resolve conflicts and improve their relationships.

The Family Center will enable Youth Alternatives to enhance its existing family-focused programs and expand its capacity to serve more than 7,600 area children and families in need.
"The Youth Alternatives Family Center will be a great addition to the region and to the State of Maine, not only for the children and families it will serve but for the YA organization," said Governor John Baldacci, who was joined at the event by Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Brenda Harvey.

Renovations to the barn and construction of the administrative building are expected to be completed by mid-2007.

“With renovations now underway, we have reached another significant milestone in our plan to revitalize this historically important structure while helping to restore and transform family relationships,” said Michael J. Tarpinian, president of Youth Alternatives.

He continued, “Families come to us seeking hope and stability. With the Youth Alternatives Family Center, we will be able to offer them a dedicated place to meet, and a nurturing space for private family sessions. It will also provide our case workers and caregivers the resources and support they need to focus on families.”

The barn, which was built in 1903, is located on the site of the former State Reform School for Boys in South Portland, off Westbrook Street in the Brick Hill development.
At the turn of the last century, boys from all over Maine were sent to the state reform school for such minor offenses as disobedience, or stealing food. Forced to work at what became known as Brick Hill, the boys made the bricks that built local landmarks and gracious neighborhoods like Portland’s West End.

“We are reclaiming this historic barn for a new purpose – building and cementing strong, positive family relationships,” Tarpinian said. “Maine’s most vulnerable children and families will be able to access all the help they need in one safe, supportive place.”

YA is planning to engage in a major fundraising push in the coming months to reach its capital campaign goal of $2.7 million. In addition to TD Banknorth and the Libra Foundation, YA already has received donations of $50,000 from Dead River Company, Wright-Ryan Construction, Inc., JTG Foundation and the Sam L. Cohen Foundation. Also, $25,000 donations have been made by Capital Servicing, Inc., Gorham Savings Bank, Hannaford Bros. Co., Oakhurst Dairy and Wright Express Corporation.

The architect, Winton Scott Architects of Portland, plans to retain the historic warmth and character of the structure while using green design and eco-friendly materials to make the interior spaces functional and appealing. Loranger Door and Window is assisting with the doors and windows at the barn.

The Family Center will enable Youth Alternatives to offer expanded mental health, prevention, education, substance abuse and support services to families in need. The center will include group and individual counseling rooms, substance abuse treatment facilities, a large training center, a parent education resource library, community spaces for parenting classes and support groups, meeting and play areas and a fully-equipped kitchen in which families can prepare meals together.

In addition to enhancing the quality of service delivery, the Family Center will allow YA to reach new populations, such as non-custodial parents, it does not currently serve. The agency will also be able to offer expanded programming, such as more parenting education and support groups. This will enable families to access all the services they need in one place. Moreover, the Family Center will increase Youth Alternatives’ ability to collaborate by providing state-of-the-art training and meeting space to other organizations working with families.

Youth Alternatives, a nonprofit social service agency founded in 1972, advances safe, happy, healthy childhoods and positive family relationships. Through its comprehensive continuum of care, Youth Alternatives creates homes for vulnerable children and youth; supports families in need, conflict or crisis; reaches out to homeless youth; provides substance abuse treatment; and ensures safety by working to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through its programs, Youth Alternatives serves more than 6,100 children, youth and family members throughout Maine each year. Youth Alternatives relies on the support of our community, individuals, corporations, foundations and community groups. For additional information, visit the organization online at www.youthalternatives.org.

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