An Ankeny-based organization that has several programs for youth has taken a financial step forward in their plans to open a youth crisis facility in Newton. Darnell Loatman is the founder of FOCUSS, which stands for Focus On Community Uplifting Self-esteem and Success. He told the Newton City Council this week that the organization has received half the remaining amount needed for acquiring a Newton location.

“We secured another $50,000 from a private donor in Des Moines. So we are hoping the city council will finish the fundraising. That leaves $50,000 left.”

Last December, when Loatman first approached the Newton City Council about financial assistance for a location in Jasper County, he said the non-profit organization’s crisis team had responded to Newton about 40 times within the past three months. When called about a youth in trouble, Loatman claims their crisis team responds fast, takes the teen out of the situation, and gives them guidance to avoid similar situations. He says they can hold them for up to 23 hours and build some coping skills plans. And if they determine the teen is ready to go back home, they can release them with a plan, and not send them home with nothing. Loatman also says calls to FOCUSS from Jasper County have increased, and that some Jasper County parents have difficulty getting to Polk County to pick up their children after the 23-hour hold. Hear more about FOCUSS on today’s Let’s Talk Newton.