Why Austin’s House?


The sudden and untimely death of 15 year old Austin Kirby was the catalyst for the creation of a partnership between the Carson Valley Children’s Center / Austin's House and the Austin Kirby Foundation. The foundation was created in the hope that countless local children could be spared unhappiness and emotional and physical dislocation by providing a group home for children in need of sanctuary.

Austin had epilepsy which was not well controlled despite every medical effort, and he experienced daily seizures as well as the side effects of the several strong medications he had to take. Many of those who encountered Austin on a daily basis were kind and considerate but, unfortunately, there were others who teased and belittled him. Since his death, many of the children where he attended school have recognized the impact of some of this teasing and unkind behavior and have taken steps to change. Some have even formed a school club devoted to performing “random acts of kindness”.....a wonderful legacy.

Because Austin was so loving and so generous, it was decided by his parents that he would have wished to have his organs donated, and this was done. Seven people were given the gift of life following his death. And now, his family has decided to work with others in the community to build the Children’s Center so that all the children of Douglas County will have a safe and nurturing place. Austin’s House will be a fitting memorial to Austin and to others whose lives were and are an example of love in the face of adversity.

Austin's House will accommodate both males and females, who are unable to be maintained in their own homes until appropriate homes can be located for them, i.e., foster homes, relative placements or other approved homes.

Austin's House will provide the basic living necessities including proper nutrition, hygiene, rest, nurturing, recreation, companionship and education. The facility is designed for short-term and long-term placements of Douglas County youth in crisis situations. Youth from other counties in the state of Nevada will also be accepted as space permits. The Children’s Center will provide 24 hour supervised services and care for residents.

Other child-oriented community services will be provided at the Children’s Center and offered to the community at large. These include, but are not limited to:

• Supervised visitation and exchange program
  
• Mentoring and literacy programs
  
• Child safety classes and child abuse awareness programs
  
• Support groups for grandparents and other relatives who are providing care for children no longer able to live with their parents
  
• Foster parent recruitment, training classes and support groups to encourage the development of more foster homes in Douglas County.
  
  

Austin's House and the Carson Valley Children’s Center is a partnership of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Social Services, Douglas County Juvenile Probations Office, Douglas County Court Appointed Special Advocate Program and Partnership of Community Resources. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

For further information, please contact:

Linda Cuddy, Board President
P.O. Box 784
Minden, NV 89423
info@austinshouse.org
775-267-6711