By Eric Jaramishian, Mountain Democrat

The New Morning Youth & Family Services is fundraising for a makeover at its 24/7 emergency youth shelter in Placerville.

The Ashby House, located off Ray Lawyer Drive, has had seen some major improvements since it was built but the bedrooms haven’t been part of those projects, according to New Morning staff, who would like to revamp the rooms to give more a comfortable feel for the at-risk youth they serve.

New Morning is reaching out to the community to help initiate its Adopt a Room at the Ashby House campaign.

“I’m not necessarily asking that everything should be brand new, but I feel like the community could donate to where we could do six beautiful rooms at the shelter,” said Shawna Salvo, a New Morning public relations liaison.

The six bedrooms provide space for two youths each. Staff’s vision is whoever works to transform the rooms will be able to design them anyway they want — within reason.

Monetary contributions will go toward purchasing new furnishings, decorations and other essentials needed to revamp the rooms.

“(These plans) are really important for upholding our standards held to by the state and it’s just more therapeutic for the children too,” said Paige Dougherty, a youth behavior specialist. “It would increase the quality of their stay and help their healing process because many of these kids deal with a lot.”

Salvo told the Mountain Democrat the shelter is seeking a minimum of $12,000 for the project; donations can also be made in the form of trade and skills. Staff seek individuals with a knack for interior design and DIY projects.

Details are being ironed out by management and staff, but they are juggling the idea of donors getting the option to name a room and renaming the wings where the rooms are located at the shelter.

“Once we are done, we will throw one heck of a barbecue to show appreciation for the community coming together to support our team and what we do,” said Adrianna Webb, a shelter director.

For more information contact Salvo at Shawna@newmorningyfs.org or call (916) 416-9859.