Donna’s House
Donna’s House – Community Youth Center lost its home in August 2007 after the landlord decided to sell the property to cover his mounting medical bills. A committee was formed to find suitable long-term facilities for Donna’s House after-school activities. The committee had committed citizens and staff/volunteers from Donna’s House. An appeal went out to the community that resulted in several dozen leads that could be of interest for a new children’s center. The committee methodically reviewed and investigated dozens and dozens of properties. In March 2008, the committee narrowed the search to one location at 212 East 4th Street in Anaconda. Before finalizing the purchase, representatives from Habitat for Humanity, Anaconda Local Development Corp, Anaconda PCA, Public Housing Authority, County Government and School District were consulted about the location. Everyone felt the property was ideally situated next to the middle school and located within blocks to the library, high school, play grounds, parks, museum, etc. Once the property was purchased, George Nixon (certified inspector) completed an extensive property inspection. George made some excellent recommendations about how the property could be easily renovated into a children’s center. Now, the special use permit process is underway with the County Planning Board. Public hearing for the special use permit is scheduled for July 14.
The Horizons Project and community support has been instrumental in gathering community support for Donna’s House – Community Youth Center’s after school programs. Much attention was focused on keeping kids safe, helping working families and enhancing academic achievement.