New Development Center Increases Impact of Youth Services Organization

KAI was hired by Every Child’s Hope (ECH) to provide Design-Build services for the William N. Dill Youth Development Center – the organization’s new hub for healing families and transforming communities. ECH is a North St. Louis-based child services organization that seeks to care for vulnerable children through a variety of services, including a residential program. Facing outdated and inefficient residential facilities, ECH sought to create a new hub that would consolidate all necessary treatment and services in a single location.

KAI designed and constructed the 18,000 SF facility that integrates a new model of care for youth and families. It accommodates short-term residential treatment for 30 children while creating a new access point on ECH’s campus for hundreds of children and families. The facility includes 30 private bedrooms, family visiting rooms, and a safe and secure outdoor courtyard.

Based on best practices and building design research, the facility’s design also focuses on reducing stress and anxiety, improving treatment outcomes and creating a therapeutic environment for those getting and giving care.