YES Home in Aurora, Indiana, has begun a major expansion intended to allow more young people to receive care within their home region.

A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of what leaders describe as the largest growth project in the organization's 45-year history.

The approximately $1.5 million project is expected to double the home's capacity once renovations are completed.

Support comes through a matching grant initiative involving United Way Greater Cincinnati Southeast Indiana and Cari Beth's Blessings.

YES Home provides trauma-informed residential support and life-skills development for young people who need a stable environment.

Keeping youth close to their schools and communities is one of the motivations behind the expansion.

Organizers say the construction budget does not cover every needed item, including beds, mattresses, bedding and furniture.

That leaves additional fundraising and community support important as the project progresses.

Summer 2027 is the current hoped-for completion period, following a schedule adjustment.

The new rooms are not yet open, so readers should regard this as a construction milestone rather than an immediate increase in available placements.

The investment could make a meaningful difference for Southeast Indiana families once finished.