Suffolk Youth Center has closed, but service to go on

SUFFOLK

The Hampton Roads Youth Center, a residential program for troubled children, has closed, but the board president said Wednesday that the organization plans to continue funding services.

The nonprofit center was a victim of the tightening economy and a statewide shift away from group home and residential care, said Board President Ronald Spindel. Though state funding has dried up, the core mission remains the same, he said.

"We are still in business," Spindel said. "We are still raising funds. We are still helping the children."

Located on Kenyon Road, the center has helped 75 families since it opened in 2003. The staff of 25 shrank to three people over the past few months, Spindel said. The property is now for sale.

A half-dozen or so youth remained at the center after a recent graduation, Spindel said. Those children returned to their families or foster homes but will still receive individual and group counseling.