Hoyleton Celebrates Opening of New Residential Campus

Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, based in Fairview Heights, Ill., hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 18, to celebrate the completion of a once-in-a-generation construction project that provides a new therapeutic living environment for vulnerable youth in the foster care system.

The ceremony was attended by Hoyleton Board members and staff, donors, local politicians, clergy from surrounding United Church of Christ churches, and several members of Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), including its director, Heidi Mueller.

Illinois State Representative Charlie Meier addressed the crowd of approximately 70 people, sharing many details about his personal journey of supporting the Hoyleton mission. DCFS Director Heidi Mueller also spoke during the ceremony. “I am so honored to be here,” she said. “I believe this campus truly meets the individual needs of youth in this residential program.”  

The highlight of the ceremony was watching two of Hoyleton’s residential youth, along with Mueller, cut the ribbon to signify the official completion and opening of the campus.

Prior to coming to Hoyleton, Mueller had told President and CEO Chris Cox that she wanted to personally bring Christmas gifts for the youth. At the conclusion of the ribbon-cutting, Mueller — accompanied by Cox and Residential Director Monte Mister — met with the Hoyleton youth in the gym. Mueller gave a gift, candy, a card, and a hug or high five to each of the youth in care.

“In all my years at Hoyleton,” said Cox, “I’ve never had someone at the state level invest that much time and attention to my kids. It was wonderful to witness.”

Hoyleton’s new residential campus will allow youth who are both developmentally and intellectually delayed and have experienced trauma to heal and grow in a trauma-informed therapeutic environment. The campus includes six 6-bedroom family style cottages, an administration building with offices, therapy rooms, visitation rooms, a sensory room, large training center, two conference rooms, and a small warehouse for equipment and storage. The existing gymnasium on the campus was also renovated.

Funding received from DCFS was key to making the new campus a reality.

“We are filled with excitement and gratitude to have this new campus completed,” said Cox. “We are so appreciative of the funding support we received from the state as well as public and private donors.” 

Hoyleton’s efforts to provide exceptional care to youth in the residential program was highlighted by Mueller during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “DCFS is extremely grateful for Hoyleton’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that our most vulnerable youth in southern Illinois receive the best possible care in a setting that matches their unique needs,” she said.

“This is a true turning point for our organization,” said Minster. “This new campus will allow our residential program to continue serving youth and families for years to come.”

Impact Strategies spearheaded the construction of the project, with TWM Engineering and Hurford Architects contributing to the planning and design phases. “I want to recognize the outstanding work Impact Strategies did to make what has been a dream for so long for so many a reality,” Cox added.

The new Hoyleton campus incorporates sustainable features, including solar power and electric vehicle charging capabilities.

The old administration building, which was built in 1915 and served as the Children’s Home for decades, is slated for dismantling and removal by early spring. Once cleared, the land will be used as green space dedicated to recreational activities for youth in the residential program.