Youth Services System Helinski Shelter in Moundsville Set To Close in March
Youth Services System will have to relocate 16 at-risk youth it cares for by March, when the Helinski Shelter in Moundsville will close.
The Marshall County Commission and the West Virginia Department of Health And Human Services will discontinue an agreement that provided a home for the Helinski Shelter at Grand Vue Park, it was revealed during Tuesday’s commission meeting. The agreement, originally made with the now-defunct Department of Welfare, had been in place since 1982.
In light of recent expansion by Grand Vue Park, county Administrator Betsy Frohnapfel discussed the situation with Grand Vue representatives and the DHHR, ultimately deciding to end the agreement after more than 30 years.
Frohnapfel said the county would continue hosting the shelter until the end of March. Youth Services System CEO John Moses said the organization already has begun preparing to move the shelter to another facility in Ohio County.
“We have a plan. We have property in Ohio County that we are modifying to receive the kids from the Helinski Shelter,” Moses said. “This will be a temporary fix to let us catch our breath until we get a long-term plan for where we ultimately want the girls to be. This is on Wheeling Island. We would prefer something a little more out of the downtown area, but that’s to come.”
Moses thanked the commissioners for their years of support, pointing out the difference the Helinski Shelter has made over the years, and for the help of the entire community in making the shelter possible.
“You’ve been patrons for over 3,500 kids over the years. … We want to thank Grand Vue Park, as well, as these kids and their behaviors have probably tested the patience of those that run the park, and also to thank the whole Marshall County community, the faith groups who interact with us, the civic groups who all make contributions to us, and for that we are very grateful,” Moses said.
Moses said the DHHR has also made efforts to assist in the transition, which he hopes will be an easy one.
“The commissioner of the DHHR, Nancy Exline, has pledged the support of her office and the department’s resources to make sure this is a smooth transition from the park location to the new location,” he said.
The Helinski Shelter currently houses 16 residents and employs 25 staff members.
In other business, commissioners heard the first reading of an ordinance eliminating an exemption on business and occupation tax for tenants of a hotel staying longer than 30 days. This change is to bring the county in line with a change in state code.
The change will take effect if passed on second reading next week.
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