Kids FIRST has kicked off a $1 million capital campaign to expand mental health services for children who have experienced abuse.
The nonprofit works with children referred by law enforcement, child welfare and medical professionals in cases of suspected child abuse. Kids FIRST began offering mental health support for the children in 2022, but limited space has made it hard to provide timely therapy.
The goal of the fundraising campaign is the restoration of a 1950s duplex across from Kids FIRST’s current location on 18th Avenue and High Street.
The updated building will include therapy rooms, child-friendly spaces, improved electrical and HVAC systems, ADA compliance updates, and staff offices. Kids FIRST hopes to begin construction by June.
Last fiscal year, three therapists and a therapy intern held 583 therapy sessions, but had to stagger appointments in two shared offices. This has limited both the number of children they can help and the types of therapy offered.
Kids FIRST Executive Director Patty Perlow said staff is ready to serve more children.
“They just need the space,” she said.
More than $170,000 has been raised already, Kids FIRST Development Director Jaclyn Lemonds said, and the organization is now reaching out to the community to raise the rest of the money. Donations of any size are welcome, she said.
Kids FIRST’s mission is to advocate for children who are victims of or witnesses to crime. Last year, the organization served more than 800 children in Lane County.