Every Child’s Hope’s New Youth Development Center Opens

Every Child’s Hope (ECH), a leader in providing care and support for vulnerable children and families in Missouri, announced the grand opening of its William N. Dill Youth Development Center on its St. Louis campus April 18, 2024, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the center.

The new facility, named in honor of William N. Dill by his son, Warren Dill, a long-time supporter and benefactor for ECH, is designed to enhance the services ECH offers to the community. The Center features living accommodations, treatment rooms, offices, and relaxation spaces, all tailored to foster a safe and supportive environment for healing.

“The opening of the William N. Dill Youth Development Center represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide comprehensive care and support for at-risk children and their families,” said Julia Adami, MS, LPC, and CEO of Every Child’s Hope. “This new facility will allow us to expand our capacity and enhance our programs, ensuring that we continue to meet the growing needs of our community.”

The 18,000-square-foot center will help young people and their families find health, healing, and hope. ECH’s Residential Treatment Program uses a trauma-informed and family-centered model of care that provides temporary refuge for youth to heal, learn, and develop new skills for their future.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by community leaders, ECH board members, ECH staff, donors, volunteers, and Dill family members, all of whom contributed to bringing the project to fruition.

Shari L. Smith, chair of ECH’s board of directors, opened the event with welcoming remarks. Adami followed with an inspiring speech about the new center’s impact. Michael P. Brennan, former CEO of Every Child’s Hope, was a guest speaker, sharing his perspective on the organization’s growth and the importance of the new facility. St. Louis County Council Co-Chair Rita Heard Days presented ECH with a signed proclamation. Finally, ECH Board Member Gail Saxton blessed the facility, emphasizing its role as a place of healing and hope.

“This building is much more than just bricks and mortar; it is a home where healing begins and futures are built,” said Sherry Gerke, chief development officer at ECH.

Every Child’s Hope has been a beacon of optimism for 166 years, continuously adapting to the needs of the community while maintaining its core focus on caring for children and families in crisis.