Hoyleton, IL— In a significant step forward for vulnerable youth in Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker joined Hoyleton Youth And Family Services to officially break ground on a state-of-the-art residential facility. This landmark construction project signals a new model of care for young individuals aged 9-18 who are navigating developmental and intellectual delays alongside the impacts of trauma. The innovative campus is designed to provide a nurturing, therapeutic environment where these young people can heal, grow, and thrive.
“Every child deserves the chance to develop the tools they need to unlock their full potential,” stated Governor JB Pritzker. “Combined with the exceptional therapeutic services offered by Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, this expansion will empower more of our vulnerable youth to access these crucial services. Furthermore, it will provide them with modern, engaging spaces, both indoors and outdoors, fostering comprehensive support within this unique setting.”
The ambitious $16 million project has received vital support from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Capital Development Program, covering over 50% of the total costs. The remaining funding will be secured through a combination of federal programs and a capital campaign, bolstered by the generosity of private and corporate donors.
This development will introduce seven new residential homes to the Hoyleton Youth and Family Services campus, expanding the residential capacity from 36 to 42 youth. Crucially, each resident will benefit from a private bedroom, a semi-private bathroom, and thoughtfully designed spaces that cater to sensory needs and encourage artistic expression. Planned outdoor areas will further enhance the therapeutic environment. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, each home will be equipped with solar panels, and the campus will incorporate electric vehicles and charging stations, initially with two stations capable of expanding to six. The housing component of the project is slated for completion by January 2024, ensuring a seamless transition for residents without any displacement during construction.
“Illinois has experienced a loss of over 500 residential beds in recent years, impacting some of our most vulnerable youth. Rebuilding this capacity is essential as the demand for high-quality care for children and young adults in care continues to rise,” emphasized Illinois DCFS Director Marc D. Smith. “Our partnerships with dedicated agencies like Hoyleton Youth and Family Services are fundamental to our mission of guaranteeing that every youth under our care receives the highest standard of treatment in an environment tailored to their individual needs. We extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly for their ongoing investment in the lives of our most vulnerable youth.”
Chris L. Cox, President and CEO of Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Hoyleton is thrilled to be constructing a campus that is better equipped to meet the complex needs of youth in care who have experienced trauma. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of Governor Pritzker and Director Smith, who have truly exemplified the power of public-private partnerships. Without the significant financial commitment from the State of Illinois, a project of this magnitude would simply not be feasible.”
Hoyleton Youth and Family Services has partnered with Impact Strategies as the design builder for this transformative project. TWM Engineering and Hurford Architects also played key roles in the planning and design phases. The integration of solar power and electric vehicle capabilities underscores Hoyleton’s commitment to innovation and sustainability within the new campus.
Statewide Commitment to Youth Behavioral and Mental Health
Governor Pritzker’s administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to behavioral and mental health initiatives across Illinois, particularly for young people. A key example is the IDPH-led Illinois Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Expansion, launched last November. This federally funded program aims to bolster mental health services for children by supporting pediatricians and other healthcare providers, particularly within hospital emergency departments and schools. Furthermore, the FY24 budget, signed by Governor Pritzker, includes over $200 million dedicated to serving Illinoisans with disabilities and almost $23 million allocated to initiate the new Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative. These investments highlight the state’s comprehensive approach to supporting the mental and behavioral health needs of its youth population, aligning with the mission of organizations like Hoyleton Youth and Family Services.
About Hoyleton Youth and Family Services
Hoyleton Youth and Family Services stands as the largest service provider in Southern Illinois dedicated to children in foster care who also face developmental and intellectual delays. Rooted in the Hoyleton community for over 128 years, the organization’s history dates back to 1895 when the Zion Evangelical Church and the Orphan’s Home Association collaborated to establish Hoyleton’s Orphan’s Home. This legacy of care continues today in the administration building on the campus. Hoyleton’s core mission revolves around restoring families, empowering young adults to make positive life choices, equipping parents and guardians with better parenting skills, and providing essential wellness education, all contributing to building stronger, more resilient communities.
About the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
Established in 1964, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is dedicated to safeguarding children from abuse and neglect. The department operates the Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-25-ABUSE / 1-800-252-2873), responding to calls and intervening to protect children. DCFS focuses on strengthening and supporting families through a wide array of services, aiming to keep children safe within their homes whenever possible. When removal from the home is necessary for a child’s safety, DCFS prioritizes reunification with their family. In situations where reunification is not in the child’s best interest, DCFS is committed to facilitating adoption by loving families, providing children with secure and permanent homes. DCFS also holds responsibility for licensing and monitoring all child welfare agencies throughout Illinois, ensuring consistent standards of care and protection.
