11 Jul TRU Harbor Celebrates its First Year of Operation

TRU Harbor, a specialized program of the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC), which provides residential treatment for commercially and sexually exploited children (CSEC) is celebrating its first full year in operation. Since its opening on July 11, 2018, the program, which is housed in the former Henry County Youth Center in New Castle, Indiana has had a tremendous impact on not only the young women living there, but also the communities and economies of New Castle and Henry County at large.

With a capacity to serve 16 residents, the facility has remained full throughout its first year, and currently has a waiting list.

“The demand throughout the state for our specialized services remains high,” stated Dr. Katrina Mallory, Program Director of TRU Harbor. “And that demand isn’t going away any time soon, she continued. “We have seen demonstrable and meaningful changes in the lives of the girls we have served—and that success will keep TRU Harbor in high demand.”

As one of the only treatment facilities of its kind locally, TRU Harbor positions Henry County as an epicenter of CSEC treatment in the state of Indiana. Its specialized services bring positive exposure to Henry County and are crucial to helping these young women go on to lead productive lives within their home communities.

“The goal of all YOC programs—and TRU Harbor is no exception—is to help these kids heal and build the skills necessary to return to their communities and participate as productive, healthy residents,” said Rick Rowray, YOC CEO. “We couldn’t be more excited for the impact TRU Harbor is having not only on its residents, but the Henry County Community. We look forward to what the next few years bring for TRU Harbor and its current and future residents.”

Over its first year, 23 youths have been placed in the TRU Harbor program from 16 counties across the state of Indiana. Additionally, significant economic impact can be felt right in Henry County itself. With 42 full- and part-time staff operating the facility, in terms of payroll alone, TRU Harbor has contributed nearly $1 million to the local economy. Support for the program and facility has been unwavering from the community with over $60,000 in grants and in-kind donations received from individuals and organizations such as the Henry County Community Foundation, Taylor University, Foursquare Church and Fisher’s Pediatric Dentistry just to name a few.

Resulting from the contributions of generous donors, the support of staff, and highly specialized treatment, TRU Harbor residents—in the first year alone—have collectively earned 203 high school credits, participated in multiple college visits, prepared for and taken the SATs, and begun completion of HSE programs, with one resident already having college admission with a scholarship to a 4-year university. Add to that the significant behavioral, health and psychological improvements experienced by residents, and the facility is well on its way to surpassing expectations.