Crystal Youth Center asks Huerfano County commissioners for $7,500 to sustain summer program

Janice Bearsdale, president of the Crystal Youth Center, asked the Huerfano County Board of County Commissioners for a $7,500 pledge to sustain the center’s summer program during public comment at a board meeting. Bearsdale said the program serves between 20 and 30 children each day and that funds would pay for meals, class supplies, vehicle fuel and weekly operating expenses.

The request, presented by Bearsdale and an accompanying speaker who identified herself as Bearsdale’s sister, described the center’s 25-year history serving local youth, noting instances such as supporting first-generation college students, state-level wrestling competitors and reducing the local high school pregnancy rate. “This is not a handout, but a leg up in continuing the support of our youth of Huerfano County,” Bearsdale said.

Why it matters: Bearsdale said the center provides weekday programming on days when schools are closed and serves students who might otherwise lack options for supervision, meals and activities. She told commissioners the center has served “over a thousand kids” over its history and asked for a county decision within about 30 days so the program could plan for the summer season.

Commissioners and staff said they appreciated the center’s work and would review county finances and other possible funding avenues. A county staff member asked for contact information and suggested the center may need to submit documentation to support any county funding; Bearsdale asked for a response within 30 days. Commissioners did not vote on a funding allocation during the meeting and made no formal appropriation.

The county indicated next steps would include staff review of available funding sources and follow-up with the center to request any additional documentation needed to process a possible donation or grant. Bearsdale offered to provide contact information and any requested paperwork to facilitate that review.