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Shaker Heights Youth Center seeks more support after funding cuts; announces move to new teen space
Summary
Karen Carter, executive director, told council the Youth Center faces a budget shortfall after county and foundation cuts — roughly $180,000 this year on a $670,000 budget — and asked the city and schools to consider increasing support; she also announced the center will relocate to Christ Episcopal Church and receive 50% of proceeds from a planned gala.
Karen Carter, executive director of the Shaker Heights Youth Center, updated council on programs and an emerging funding shortfall. Carter said the agency — a licensed prevention nonprofit serving schools and out‑of‑school time — has seen county funding cuts (Adams Board reduced payments 20%) and the Cleveland Foundation ended a long‑running program, producing roughly $180,000 in lost revenue on a $670,000 budget. "Our overall youth center budget is around $670,000 so a cut of 180,000 over the last year," Carter said. She said the organization currently receives about $69,500 from the city and $100,000 from the school district and asked council to consider an increase, noting an $80,000 minimum gap for this year.
Carter also announced the youth center will move into new teen space at Christ Episcopal Church near the Van Aken District and described partnerships and program strengths: licensed social workers placed in several schools, a youth leadership council and a Thrive after‑school high school program. Councilmembers asked about exact service counts (Carter said last year the center served about 370 students in school‑based programs and about 115 in out‑of‑school time) and discussed potential increased city and district funding during the upcoming budget season.
