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Youth shelter gets new leader Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Eric Guyer, community outreach educator for the Rogue Family Center in White City, has been hired to supervise staff and services at the county's Youth Diagnostics Shelter in Talent. He says his top priority is safety at the shelter, which was tainted by a sex-abuse case By JONEL ALECCIA An experienced advocate for at-risk young people will oversee daily operations of a youth shelter under new management by Jackson County. Eric Guyer, 28, community outreach educator at the Rogue Family Center in White City, has been hired to supervise staff and services at the Youth Diagnostic Shelter in Talent. "I think there is going to be a lot of community interest in how we run things," said Guyer, who has spent four years coordinating integrated services for at-risk youth and families. "We're going to focus on experienced staff, safety at the facility and bringing in community partners. That's one of the things I bring to the table." Formerly run by Community Works, a Medford social service agency, the shelter was closed in April after criminal sex abuse charges against two supervisors. One former supervisor has been sentenced to more than four years in prison; another is awaiting trial in March. Jackson County recently agreed to take over operation of the shelter, which can house up to 14 youth ages 10 to 17. Under the new plan, Guyer will supervise 10 probation officers who will staff the shelter, as well as part-time workers for several programs. He will be responsible for securing funding for the youth programs and maintaining relations with a range of state, county and nonprofit agencies that provide services. He'll earn an annual salary of more than $48,000. The selection of Guyer, who holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon and a master's degree from Southern Oregon University, drew praise from county officials. "Eric is an outstanding choice," said Hank Collins, county health and human services director. "He's young, he's energetic and he'll do fine." Bob Grindstaff, Community Justice director, said Guyer is familiar with the range of services and providers available. "Eric has done a terrific job of working in an integrated site helping impact families and children," he said in a statement. Guyer said his first priority will be to ensure safety and supervision at the site at 5605 S. Pacific Highway. New security cameras and revamped room arrangements will be among the first changes. "We're going to focus on individualizing each kid's needs and meeting those needs in ways that are sensitive to the age and background of the kids," he said. Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.