Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth unveils William Fry Drop-In Center

When he was 15 years old, Jose was abandoned by his mother and left to fend for himself.

He survived on the streets by stealing doughnuts, candy bars and Slurpees from 7-Eleven.

For two scorching hot summer months, Jose slept on a hard bleacher at Chaparral High School where he had completed his freshman year only days before.

"I was in complete denial about being homeless," said the high school junior, who asked that his last name not be used.

Finally, Jose asked his teacher for help and wound up heading to a drop-in center for homeless youth to get his life back on track.

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth estimates about 300 kids ages 18 and under sleep on Las Vegas' streets nightly. There are at least 3,000 homeless youth throughout the city living on the streets, couch surfing or living in shelters.

On Friday, the nonprofit unveiled the new William Fry Drop-In Center, a 1,991-square-foot facility that offers case management, counseling, training and group therapy. The newly renovated home has a fully stocked pantry, a bathroom, shower, an energy efficient washer and dryer as well as a lounge area with state-of-the-art technology and outdoor reflection areas.

The center was named for William Fry, a Las Vegas millionaire who donated $250,000, what he called a "leadership gift" in hopes of inspiring others to give.

Fry died last April after battling cancer. His daughter, Susan Sandlin, flew from Indiana to witness the center's unveiling, which could not have been possible without her father's work.

"He knew he was going to die," Sandlin said while choking back tears. "He knew he wanted to give to Vegas. He wanted to leave a legacy and give to the youth so they would give back. Seeing this now, I just can't believe it."

Officials behind the project said moving the facility from its "more clinical" location on South Maryland Parkway into a "more homey" location, at 4981 Shirley St. will help get more kids like Jose off the street and back on their feet.

"We're the only drop-in center of its kind in the state, and the only agency that provides services without parental consent," said Kathleen Boutin, founder and Henderson City Council member. "It's a huge liability, but our board has made a very deliberate and intentional decision to assume liabilities of serving kids without parental consent to make sure that they get off the streets."

State law allows a child as young as 12 to consent to the services.

County Commissioner Rory Reid, who serves as an honorary board member for the partnership, said kids like Jose can develop health problems and rely heavily on community services that are costly to taxpayers.

"If you think the government can solve all these problems for us, you're confused," Reid said. "We need to come together as a community to solve community problems."

Boutin said that kids need to know they are in a safe place when they step foot in the door.

"We are not going to contact a parent or stepparent who has been neglectful or abusive," she said. "Society does not return domestic violence victims back to their abusers, so why we do it with runaways is still a mystery to me."

Nine out of 10 kids the group sees are domestic violence victims, abused or neglected, Boutin added.

At 17, Jose now lives in a condo with his roommates, owns his own car and is at the top of his class. He's in National Honor Society, student council, Spanish club and is a pole vaulter for his school. He works at Jack-in-the-Box in the summer and saves money to survive the school year.

"This problem transcends race, black or white, rich or poor, young and younger," said Sig Rogich, political strategist and honorary board member of the partnership. "The statistics are overwhelming. We provide them a chance."

Contact Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0279.