Yahweh Center for Children low on funding

The mental health system here in North Carolina has been suffering from some financial blows.

One non-profit organization focusing on the mental health of children is now behind in its monthly payments.

Yahweh Center for Children is a shelter for children who have suffered neglect or sexual abuse.

The center includes a full psychiatric hospital. Paying for that alone means raising nearly $1 million a year.

Having to rely on donations is tough, especially at a time when many people are finding it hard to make ends meet. Without their usual donations, Yahweh Center administrators are now finding it hard to pay the bills.

Some organizations that regularly donate to the center have had to cut back because of the state of the economy.

Since the children at Yahweh live on campus full-time, the center also has to pay for the basics like food, clothing and gas.

Founder and director Carla Roberts is concerned about the financial state. She said these children rely on the center to help them heal.

“Children here are butterflies. They come in one way, and transform into somebody else. The transformation, if people can understand that being one on one with a child here means the world to them,” said Roberts.

The center was the first 90 day emergency shelter in southeastern North Carolina. It serves children ages 5 to 12.

Once the children go through therapy and psychiatric treatment, the goal is to place them with adoptive families, so they can begin the next phase of their lives.

Visit the Yahweh Center’s website to donate.