Skelton visits Butterfield Youth Services Monday

From left, U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., Butterfield Youth Services Executive Director Barb Mayfield and Director of Development Garry Cobb stand outside on the BYS campus as Mayfield presents Skelton with a painting done by a former BYS resident. (Geoff Rands/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"I was impressed by the professionalism here," he said of BYS employees. "The young people assigned here are very fortunate. The success rate appears to be very good. It's not a pick-up ball game, this is the real thing."

Skelton was present for the campus' dedication in 1994.

"I've followed it for many years, seen it grow through the years," said Skelton, and called the facility a "first-class contribution" that "fills a very special need."

Of changes since the last time Skelton saw the facilities, he said, "It has expanded. It's no longer a boy's ranch. It serves young men and young women."

He added that the facility serves youth with a wide variety of issues.

Skelton heard about how many children, after they leave, come back with their families to visit and tell employees about how their lives are going.

"It's very gratifying to see young people go off and do good things," he said.

The congressman plans to have a look "to see if there's anything we can help through the stimulus legislation."

Before Skelton left, BYS administrators presented him with a colorful painting featuring an American flag by one of the campus' previous residents, a book of poetry written by girls who live there and a DVD of "The Children Nobody Wanted," the made-for-TV movie starring Michelle Pfeiffer that chronicles the life of BYS founder Tom Butterfield.

Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net

On the Web:
http://www.bys-kids.org