Sanctuary Youth Shelter is looking for sponsors to help make the shelter a more homey and welcoming place for homeless, runaway, or otherwise displaced youth to stay.

“Currently, the walls are bare, the bedrooms feel cold and institutional, nothing about our Shelter right now says ‘home’,” says Sanctuary Youth Shelter Manager Jody Ketcheside. “If it doesn’t feel welcoming to us, imagine how this refuge feels to a teenager who is already scared and alone.” She adds, “That’s why we want to paint the Shelter and decorate it. We want these youth to feel comfortable, safe, and welcomed.”

The Shelter is asking for individuals or companies to donate $1,000. The tax-deductible contribution allows the Shelter to purchase new bedding, furniture, décor, and paint for one bedroom; rooms will be decorated in the donor’s theme of choice. For their generous gift, sponsors will receive a plaque in the room recognizing their contribution and will be invited to the unveiling.

The Sanctuary has ten bedrooms – five for boys and five for girls; three counseling offices; two common spaces; and an intake area that all are in need of a mini-makeover.

“Every bit helps,” adds Ketcheside. “We welcome donations in any amount.”

Want to help but simply don’t have $1,000 to donate? Purchase tickets to the Friday, August 22, Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Rivercats game from the Shelter. Each ticket is $10; 50% of the proceeds will benefit the Shelter’s mini-makeover project. The game begins at 7:05 p.m.

To purchase tickets for the Grizzlies game or to learn more about the room adoption project, please call Jody at 498.8543 ext 110 or by email at jody.ketcheside@fresnoeoc.org.