The Southwest Youth Services, under the leadership of Judie Hanes, have functions at three different locations in Altus. They are:

The Safe House

The Safehouse provides emergency shelter for up to eight youth between the ages of eight and eighteen.

Shelter services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They are required to be double staffed at all times.

They are licensed by the State of Oklahoma and inspected quarterly by the Department of Human Services.

They have been at or near capacity for the last year. The shelter is housed at 1313 North Forrest in a three bedroom, two bath house.

The administrative offices, records and documentation, counseling and reception areas are also located in this 1900 sq. ft. space.

Southwest Side Project

Community Resource Center
This service provides information and referral services, supervised recreation and activities for after school and weekend activities. Counseling Services are provided for youth and families in an environment that is both comfortable and confidential. A Community Coalition, consisting of 10 citizens representing businesses, churches, private citizens, and agency officials will meet to establish and maintain policies for the SWSP.

Community Learning Center
A computer-based education program is being set up to provide students with a learning environment that will promote positive attitudes, confidence and success in school. Tutoring will be provided by qualified volunteers. A mentoring program will be coordinated for at-risk youth.

Community-Based Services
They currently provide juvenile services to the District K (Jackson & Harmon Counties) of the Juvenile Services Unit, the Altus Municipal Court, Altus Air Force Base Family Advocacy, and the Graduated Sanctions Program. They work with the ACTS program, the Alternative School, the DARE Program, HEADSTART, the Great Plains Literacy Council, Teen Pregnancy Prevention Committee, the VoTech, SAFEPLACE, Youth Development, the OCCY and other youth serving agencies.

Clothing and Food Bank
They have set up a clothing bank and food bank. They will establish a toy bank as donations and volunteers come forth.

Rotary Center Program

Summer Day Camp Program
This is a program of summer activities which include swimming, arts and crafts, community visitors, and fun for youth between the ages of 6 and 12.

First Time Offender Program
Two Group Counseling sessions are being held concurrently on Monday and Thursday from 5pm to 7pm.

Parent Guardian Support Network
This is a support group for parents with at-risk youth. They are scheduled to meet once a week.

African American Leadership Council
This group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.

Teen Life Skills
This group accepts Juvenile Court Juvenile Service Unit and school referrals.

Parenting Education
Referrals include clients from the Department of Human Services, Schools, Altus Air Force Base and other sources.

Great Plains Literacy Program
This program provides tutoring for adult students between 10am and 3pm.

High School Lunch Break
This program provides adult supervision and activities for Altus High School Students during their lunch hour.

African American Greek Coalition
This program provides public service activities and cultural events for youth and families within the Southwest Side Project area.

Helpful Links:
National Network For Youth
Runaway Switch Board
Teens in Trouble : Runaways
Oklahoma Suicide Crisis Hotline
Suicide Crisis Center