Teens put their Minecraft skills to work and help YCS fund for a group home

HACKENSACK, N.J. - May 4, 2016 - PRLog -- Distance has not kept 18 year-old Malcolm and his friend Sydney, 17, from working on the construction of a virtual home that is slowly coming to life as donations roll into Youth Consultation Services (YCS) for a permanent home for young adults with special needs.

The teens have volunteered their time and skills to create a fun, hip way to attract donors to this cause. "My mom works at YCS", and I hear from her about all the great work they do to help others," says Malcolm. So, when his mother asked Malcolm to help, he was in. Sydney also signed on to do the project. "It was the right thing to do," says Sydney. "Minecraft is something I love to do and I wanted to help out."

Although Malcolm and Sydney live 40 miles apart, (she in Somerset, he in Orange), the friends collaborate remotely on their computers in the evenings. They have already logged in almost 100 hours on Minecraft designing a home in proportion to the donations received by YCS.

The non-profit social services agency shares the Minecraft project from YouTube on all of its social media to update donors and potential contributors. So far, the agency has raised approximately $25,000, allowing Malcolm and Sydney to complete the entrance and the outer walls of the virtual home.

The project began in March when the Laurie Foundation challenged YCS to raise $50,000 for a   match grant. The goal - to open up a permanent home for four young men with developmental disabilities in Edison.

"We wanted a fun way to engage our supporters and keep them excited about this project", says Richard Mingoia, YCS President. "We were so happy when Malcolm and Sydney decided to help."

About Youth Consultation Service (YCS)

YCS is one of NJ's leading private, non-profit social services agencies. Established in 1918, YCS is committed to advocating, educating, sheltering, and caring for the state's most  vulnerable children. In 2010 YCS expanded its services to include in-home and residential care for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Our mission is to partner with at-risk, special needs children, youth and young adults to build happier, healthier more hopeful lives within families and communities. To learn more go to ycs.org.

Minecraft Video Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-ljfQmfTIQ