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Nonprofit's work earns kudos
By Times staff writer NEW PORT RICHEY -- The nonprofit group that runs the runaway shelters in New Port Richey and Brooksville has been recognized as the Outstanding Agency of the Year by the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services. The New Port Richey agency, Youth and Family Alternatives, has served runaway and truant kids and their families for 33 years. It was chosen out of 24 agencies in the state because of its "significant impact" on local families and its creative approach to community problems, said Dee Richter, executive director of the Florida Network. "Competition for this award is always stiff," Richter said in a prepared statement, "but community and Network support for recognizing YFA's excellence this year was overwhelming." Youth and Family Alternatives operates the Runaway Alternatives Program House in New Port Richey as well as the New Beginnings Youth Shelter in Brooksville. It runs a third shelter in Polk County. The group also provides counseling and outreach services to youth who are most at risk for criminal behavior or dropping out of school. Altogether it serves 10,700 youth and families each year. The agency has an 85 percent success rate in reuniting kids "in some very tough situations" with their families, said George Magrill, the president and CEO of Youth and Family Alternatives. "We are thrilled to receive such an honor," Magrill said. "Our staff is truly dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential, and this statewide recognition strengthens our determination to continue doing our best for the families we serve."
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