The Need:
Rosman, Transylvania County, is one of the poorest areas in WNC, where 50% of the Middle and High School children are classed as economically disadvantaged (NC state 2022) – that is over 325 youth. A further 192 economically disadvantaged children are already identified at the Elementary school level and will be added to the Middle school population over the next three years. That’s five hundred youth in Rosman who are disadvantaged and often have nowhere to go after 3.00 PM every school day. 48% of the High school students are considered not regularly in attendance in school.
Rosman has no safe space after school, a place with internet to do homework or for any activities. The closest “after 3PM facilities”, are a 10 mile after school bus ride away in Brevard.
The Rosman Youth deserve better – a dedicated safe place, in their own “town”. Our focus is on the Youth who are most at risk and/or homeless, but no one is turned away as long as they follow the rules as we know it is all about building trust
Within the community a derogatory term of “Feral Youth” has emerged for these Youth, who have no chance to succeed. It’s a dreadful term, which we would love to eradicate from the town’s vocabulary.
Pilot and plan:
Two years ago, as a pilot project, to address the needs of these at-risk Youth, Isaac Homes Youth Shelter (IHYS) opened a pilot site, the Rosman Youth Support Center (RYSC) on the edge of Rosman and funded it with charitable donations of around $65,000. It was well received, but covered only a small percentage of the youth population (12-15 youth) and was an allbeit short school bus ride from downtown. The pilot project worked and the youth that attended progressed socially and academically.
But we were scratching the surface of the youth in need. Dogwood Trust and others acknowledged the need and committed funds for operations of a new facility – however, they cannot do asset acquisitions.
So we have the operational costs covered – but no facility to run them in, as yet.
Our goal, now is to open an expanded and relocated Rosman Youth Support Center in downtown, just a short 1 minute walk from the schools. We expect to service 45 Youth, directly and to provide indirect outreach in the form of clothes, shoes, food and other supplies (including sleeping bags) to a further 50. Our three-year plan is to address the needs of all the at risk youth in the area – the facility we have in mind (purchase price agreed at $200,000) has space to add more square footage, as needed.
We have had inspections undertaken of the building and an extra $25,000 will enable us to do some pre-opening upgrades, in such areas as electrical, plumbing (a shower) and painting.
Our capital need:
Our need is for a donor to purchase the building for $200,000 and provide an additional $25,000 for upgrades; and then to lease it back to us for $1 per year for three years.
The new owner can anticipate charitable donation tax relief over three years and then capital gains tax treatment on any subsequent sale, subject to the owners individual tax situation.
It is a simple structure with a kitchen and bathrooms and large open spaces for picnic tables and lockers. showers. It stands in the center of town, with the city planning on a new park diametrically opposite.
The new owner will be recognized in the centers name.
Operational Funding:
With the purchase of the building the facility can open within a few months, as contractors are ready to go
Dogwood Trust has provided us with $62,500 of our estimated $150,000 of costs in the remainder of 2024 to relocate and expand the RYSC center. They have committed to a further $175,000 in years 2024 and 2025.
The County and City of Rosman are very supportive of the effort and the community Foundation, Toxaway Charities and Brevard Rotary have been continuing supporters.
Expanding our services
The new expanded RYSC center will reach beyond those 45 that will attend in person by reaching a wider group of the at-risk youth by providing free clothes and shoes, food and personal hygiene products especially for the girls, as well as warm sleeping bags, without the need to stay within the facility, as this is an important first step to connecting with them.
The homeless also need storage facilities, and while it will be open to view it will be locked with double key access only.
The facility will be equipped with security cameras and entry will be controlled by key coded cards.
Isaac Homes Youth Center
The Rosman Youth Support Center RYSC, is a program of Isaac Homes, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Isaac Homes, founded by Micky Robinson, is open to youth who are at risk for homelessness, susceptible to drop out, and who have been otherwise disenfranchised from society. It has provided a multitude of ongoing youth services, such as clothes, shoes, food and personal hygiene items. RYSC was the first step toward a place to be safe.
Our target audience is youth from Rosman High School and Rosman Middle School, ages 12-17. There are 150 youth classified by the schools, as homeless in Transylvania County. RYSC will be a real solution for students who are "at-risk" for these concerns.
Conclusion:
The need is urgent to give these youth a chance in life – We hope you can support us in this endeavor.
