While the group home is a Daybreak program, it also has its own name—Alma’s Place, in honor of the late Alma Brethen. In 1990, as Daybreak struggled in its efforts to purchase an adjacent building for a much-needed expansion, Alma opened her heart and her checkbook to buy the property for us. At the time, Alma’s generous gift was the push our project needed, inspiring other supporters to come through.
Thanks to Alma, two run-down buildings were transformed into an attractive complex able to house twice as many youth as the original shelter. We know Alma would be thrilled that her Wayne Avenue building is back in the business of sheltering troubled youth.
We know the boys coming to Alma’s Place are likely to have long histories of family instability, foster care placements, and few, if any, positive life skills. Alma’s Place will provide our boys with the structure and support they so desperately need in a real home-like setting.
Our first resident, 16-year-old “Jay,” arrived a few weeks ago, and, for the first time in his life, has his very own bedroom. It’s a small room, but, given Jay’s experience, he couldn’t believe he didn’t have to share it with at least one other boy. Three more boys soon followed, and all four boys already refer to Alma’s Place as home. They’ve even started calling Kathy Hooks, Alma’s Place program director, Aunt Kathy.
Alma’s Place is a fee-for-service program, meaning the child welfare agencies placing boys in our group home will pay Daybreak to provide the boys with safe housing and support services. The program will be totally self-sustaining and won’t put any additional strain on Daybreak’s budget. And the best part—we get to help more kids!
The renovation of the buildings and creation of the program were made possible by generous gifts from the Robert H. Brethen Foundation, The Dayton Foundation, the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation, the Jesse and Caryl Philips Foundation, and the Spurlino family. Secret Smiles of Dayton provided new beds and bedding. We’re deeply grateful to these generous donors—Alma’s Place wouldn’t be possible without them.