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Local youth center spotlights suicide risk and asks for support as county approves opioid-fund awards
Summary
Trevor Janish outlined 'Maya's Crossroads', a youth center for ages 14–25 focused on suicide prevention, and appealed for startup support; commissioners approved round‑three opioid settlement recommendations and discussed improving scoring transparency for future grants.
Trevor Janish told Becker County commissioners that Maya’s Crossroads — a planned youth center for high‑school and young‑adult residents — aims to offer a drug‑free gathering space and pre‑trauma prevention services to address rising youth mental‑health concerns. "I did not come here to intend to ask for money. I came to bring awareness," Janish said, adding that the group had previously received county opioid settlement funding and continues to seek grant support.
Janish cited local and national indicators he said illustrate the need: students at a Detroit Lakes youth event reported high rates of past suicidal thoughts and local histories include several youth suicides in recent years. He described the project’s scope as a multi‑phase effort (he cited a $1.4M–$4M ultimate buildout), saying the group needs immediate startup resources — he cited roughly $130,000 to open and another $30,000 to continue pre‑opening work — while pursuing larger grants and partnerships.
Commissioners commented they had previously awarded Maya’s Crossroads opioid settlement money in 2024 (about $170,000), and staff and board members discussed why recent applications were denied and how the review panel scores proposals. Denise (staff) and other commissioners said the advisory/review process could provide clearer feedback to unsuccessful applicants and that commissioners could participate on scoring/review committees if the board chooses to amend committee membership.
Separately during the meeting the board voted to approve the round‑three opioid settlement recommendations. Commissioners said the selection process is driven primarily by scoring and by required application materials (for example, some applicants were not recommended because required letters of commitment were missing). The board approved the recommendations by voice vote; no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the transcript.
The board asked staff to return with options to increase transparency in the grant review process and to clarify whether an expanded commissioner role on review panels is needed.
