CHAFFEE CROSSING (KFSM) - A local nonprofit agency is hoping to open its doors to a new shelter this summer, but only if they can raise enough money to do so. Comprehensive Juvenile Services has been awarded a grant to assist in constructing a new youth shelter in Fort Smith.
So far the nonprofit agency has raised $440,000 to build a new facility, but they're in need of much more. The facility they're wanting to build at Chaffee Crossing is going to cost them $1.5 million on a two-acre piece of land on Wells Lake Road.
The new building will be larger than their current building. The facility will include a dining area, recreation room, and will be able to house sixteen kids. "We feel that our kids and our parents deserve something more modern, more energy efficient, and closer to Fort Smith," said Executive Director John Furness.
He adds, "We feel like for the sake of our kids it's something we very much need."
According to Furness, the new location to Chaffee Crossing will be closer and more convenient for kids and parents.
Comprehensive Juvenile Services provides room and board, counseling, casework, and crisis intervention for youths.
For years, they've served kids and families throughout six counties in the River Valley. This includes Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Montgomery, Polk, and Scott counties since 1976. Their current facility is 85 years old and is located in Cecil which is in south Franklin County.
If your interested in donating money, visit their website http://www.cjsinc.org/ or stop by their office in Fort Smith on South J Street.
If the agency is able to raise the money by summer 2016, they will start construction as soon as possible.