Camdenton youth center receives state tax credits

The Missouri Department of Economic Development has approved $20,000 in tax credits through the Youth Opportunities Program for the Kids Harbor Childrens Advocacy Center in Camdenton. The tax credits may leverage $40,000 in contributions to offset the costs associated with the centers early intervention and support program for abused children, according to a Oct. 8 news release.

The YOP program provides an incentive for individuals, businesses and organizations to support local programs that help at-risk youth overcome negative circumstances and develop into responsible and resourceful adults, said DED Director Joseph L. Driskill. I applaud the services and support provided by The Kids Harbor Childrens Advocacy Center to help lessen the negative effects for children that have been abused. We want to ensure that these children continue to have access to the support and advocacy they need.

Kids Harbor provides comprehensive support and services for physically and sexually abused children at the onset of an investigation and throughout the process until it has been determined that services are no longer needed. The center is instrumental in mitigating the trauma caused in recalling the abuse during the investigative process. Kids Harbor anticipates serving 300 new and existing clients during the 2004 program year.

The service area includes the counties of Camden, Dent, Miller, Morgan, Laclede, Pulaski, Maries, Hickory and Phelps.

The Youth Opportunities Program is part of the Department of Economic Developments Community Development Group.

Through YOP, contributors to approved projects can receive up to a 50 percent partial state tax credit for their donation, in essence allowing donors to redirect their tax dollars to support local efforts. Approval of these tax credits is contingent upon completion of contracts set forth by the program.