When the state or private supported funds begin to arrive, then we will be able to offer salaried staff positions too. We are in Cochise County, the poorest county in the State of Arizona. We serve an Enterprise Community in an Empowerment Zone, the lowest of economic areas as defined by the Federal Government. Our county has the least funding in the state for children's programs. Our state ranks 50th in providing funding for children's educational programs, and 48th in children's programs overall.
Most states do a far better job caring for children.
This retreat was built by the labor, outside efforts, prayers, and financial contributions from over 200 people, and still counting. The children will be cared for in the same way. We will continue to trust that those staff whom are needed will arrive and the care will be available to those youth who need them. The process toward becoming a group home is long and filled with governmental red tape. We need more and better facilities.