YouthWorks program manager Sarah Eastman asked Morton County commissioners on July 10 to continue financial support for the county’s only emergency shelter for people under 18, saying the nonprofit will compete for a truncated federal grant round and is counting on the award in its budget. "It takes approximately $430,000 annually to run our shelter, and the amount YouthWorks is asking for Morton County to provide is only 8% of that budget," Eastman told the commission.

Why it matters: YouthWorks is the only 24/7 emergency shelter in the community for youth under 18; commissioners were asked to consider the county portion of a multi-source budget that includes United Way, federal grants and local fundraising.

Eastman said the shelter accepted 22 youth placed by local law enforcement between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, and staff provided about 700 hours of supervision during those stays. She described the program’s broader prevention work at a newly opened youth and family engagement center offering social-emotional groups, life-skills classes and family counseling.

Commissioners asked for details about the federal grant that supports the shelter. Eastman identified the Basic Center Program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and said a new federal notice shortened the usual application window: "We've been successful in writing for and receiving that grant. They've just given us 14 days to work on that." She said YouthWorks plans to apply for the maximum the state allows and will use local funds as match if awarded.

Eastman summarized recent award levels and targets as discussed at the meeting: "The historical is $198,000 for that. And, the cap for the state is $250,000. So we're gonna write for $250,000... the overall cap is $350,000." She added that the program must provide a 10% match and said local funds would be used as match if needed.

No formal county action was taken at the meeting; Eastman said YouthWorks has documentation in the county budget book (tab 9 under juvenile court) and offered to follow up with answers to additional questions.

Ending: Eastman thanked the commission and offered to supply additional grant application details if requested. Commissioners did not vote on a funding award during this session.