CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities has finalized the purchase of the former Bridge Street Church of Christ building, which will now be transformed into the Landrum Youth Empowerment Center. The sale, confirmed earlier this month by the Ross County Auditor’s Office, marks a significant step in expanding community resources for youth in Ross County. Located at 147 N. Bridge St., the new center aims to provide essential training, mentoring, support groups, and after-school activities for local young people.
The Landrum Youth Empowerment Center recently held its first event, a training session titled “Building Resiliency with Youth: Being a Safe Adult.” Denise Ruby from the Ross County Health District led the session, made possible by funding from the Ohio Department of Health’s Adolescent Health Resiliency grant.
The center will also begin hosting the Peace Center for Teens every Wednesday from 3 PM to 6 PM, offering a safe space and programs to support teens’ well-being and personal growth.
Supported through grants from the Landrum Fund, Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services (OHMAS), and the Strong Families, Safe Communities initiative, the Landrum Youth Empowerment Center has already secured partnerships with several community organizations. Partners include The Peace Center, Breathe Programs of Ross County, Pioneer Center/Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Paper City Mentoring Project, and the Chillicothe Autism and Special Needs Parent-to-Parent Support Group.
The Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities will hold its next board meeting on November 14 at 6 PM at the Pioneer Center Administration Building, located at 167 W. Main St. The public is encouraged to attend and provide feedback on the board’s new Strategic Plan, which includes community engagement and input for the center’s continued development.