KATS House. Image courtesy: Keeping Area Teens Safe
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — There’s a new resource in Wausau to help kids and families who find themselves in need of help.
Keeping Area Teens Safe- or KATS for short- has opened its facility on Hillcrest Ave. Executive Director Kathleen Buckli says their goal is to make sure teens who end up homeless have the resources they need to get back on their feet or in some cases, learn how to navigate life.
“We encourage them to attend our group sessions about building life skills, manage daily stresses, and heal from past traumas,” she said. “[It’s] really a lot of direction and mentorship.”
Buckli says there’s a variety of reasons that a kid may end up needing their services. Sometimes it’s as simple as a cooling-off period with their parents, other times it’s more complicated.
“They make be looking for new placement, possibly a different type of foster home or group home. Even as the youth reaches the age of 18 and is possibly looking for work and an apartment,” she said.
In addition to providing support for the teen or young adult KATS also has resources for parents and siblings if needed. That includes access to family counseling.
Buckli adds that the facility relies on donations and foundation support and is always welcoming volunteers to help. Those interested in supporting the facility can call 715-298-5053 or visit www.katsinc.org.
The Greater Wausau chamber will hold a formal ribbon-cutting for the facility next week.
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