St. Jude’s Ranch in Boulder City has been creating a safe and nurturing home to children for over 40 years. They provide residential treatment services creating new lives for abused, abandoned and neglected children of all races and faiths. Named after St. Jude, the patron saint of desperate causes, they work to break the vicious cycle of child abuse and provide help and hope to children and families. Now St. Jude’s Ranch is expanding their mission to assist young adults with a new campus located at McLeod Drive and Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas.

In fall 2010, St. Jude’s Ranch received a $3.3 million grant: $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and $2 million from Clark County to establish a supportive housing program in Las Vegas, which is the first program located outside of Boulder City. St. Jude’s Ranch partnered with Building Hope Nevada for the development of the facility and in spring 2011, construction began. The 15 residents, who are homeless young adults ranging in age from 18 to 25 years old, will receive therapeutic and independent living services in this innovative program.

These individuals will live in an apartment style setting with the oversight of an onsite manager. Residents will sign a lease and commit to the group’s case management program, which is intended for the individuals to have stability and self-sufficiency. Tenants will pay rent based on their income, and participate in the Resident Council, a peer governing board.

Workforce Connections will provide assistance with finding employment. UNLV, Nevada State College, CSN and Desert Rose Adult High School will help with the education program. Volunteers in Medicine will also offer free health care for the home’s residents.

“This is an exciting time for St. Jude’s Ranch and our Las Vegas community,” Anne Browne, Director of Development comments. “We are so fortunate to have the support of our community as we expand our continuum of services for foster children.” This new facility is expected to open in May 2012. We applaud the efforts of St. Jude’s Ranch to reach out to the young homeless adults within the Las Vegas valley. Like they have done for many years, they are there for those that need them.