Steve Mayo's dream of running a home for troubled young males came true this month as he prepared to welcome six boys into an Avondale home.

        House of Refuge Missions Inc. of Avondale has rehabbed a two-story brick house for the Mayo Home for Youth Development, designed to treat the needs of emotionally and/or behaviorally troubled male youths, ages 14 to 21.

Barbara Twitty talks about the House of Refuge mission home she and the home's executive director, Steve Mayo (right), are opening this month. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

        Mr. Mayo, former program coordinator at Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center (2020), will be program director for the group home, which is licensed for six youths. He hopes to fill those slots after the holidays.

        “Ideally, we want it to be small,” Mr. Mayo said. “Our approach is to create a very warm and caring environment, but at the same time, a structured and organized environment.

        “Too many times kids are transferred from place to place, institution to institution. When they're in institutionalized settings, they become harder to reach. They become accustomed to people not taking a caring approach. They're less apt to want to become viable members of society because they feel society doesn't care for them.”

        Barbara Twitty, executive director of House of Refuge, said the home will provide the extra nudge for at-risk kids who want to better themselves, go to college and get good jobs.

        In a home-like setting, she said, the boys won't have to worry about food or clothing or being put out on the street. They'll have time to focus on changing the direction of their lives.

        “This is a home, first and foremost,” she said.

        Using a holistic approach, the home seeks to improve self-esteem, increase life skills and enhance involvement within the community for each child in the program. The boys will be responsible for daily chores. They'll attend school and have opportunities for mentoring and tutoring. They'll be able to explore their spiritual sides. Family counseling will be available.

        The average length of stay is expected to be three to six months. After that, the boys could move to a more independent setting, or perhaps return home, although that is rare.

        House of Refuge, an agency that has helped the homeless and needy since 1978, bought the house two years ago.

        Like the rest of its operation, House of Refuge accomplished its goal with little fanfare, sweat equity and donations from small agencies, businesses and foundations.

        Richard Benner of Anderson Township, president of the board of House of Refuge, said the fortitude and reputations of Mr. Mayo and Ms. Twitty are key to this accomplishment. “So many (agencies) become bureaucratic,” Mr. Benner said. “You get out of touch with what's really happening.”
       

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