Johnston Rotary Presents Donation to Youth Homes of Mid America

The outdoor area at Youth Homes of Mid America is well on the way to improvement.

The Johnston Rotary Club presented Youth Homes of Mid America with a $17,239 check Tuesday morning.

The Rotary raised the money through the annual Rotary BBQ, held in September, and a $5,000 District Simplified Grant, said Steve Grasso, Rotary member and BBQ organizer.

The money will be used to purchase and install six benches and three tables with seating.

"It's a lot of good synergy from a lot of different places," Grasso said.

Money left over from installation and purchasing the benches and tables will be deposited into Youth Homes' general fund for ongoing projects, said Phil Young, Rotary member and BBQ organizer.

"We appreciate the work and effort of everyone," he said.

Young said organizers would soon determine a date for next year's BBQ and a recipient for proceeds.

Youth Homes of Mid-America is a private, non-profit social service agency serving both young men and young women with off-campus treatment. It also offers a residential program for young men. All clients are Iowa children referred to Youth Homes of Mid-America by the Iowa Department of Human Services or the Iowa Juvenile Court.