ABOUT US

In 1962, a group of Clay County citizens created a youth center to serve all area youth and provide a permanent location of the 4-H County Fair. Philanthropist Edna Shepherd donated the land to serve the youth in memory of her late husband Earnest Shepherd.

Over the years, the facilities, campsites, and trails have evolved through the hard work of many generous and talented volunteers. Other individuals and organizations have contributed to the Youth Center, most notably the University of Missouri Extension Services. The Extension provides staff to oversee daily operations and create programs.

Through the Board's vision an impressive tradition of educational and recreational programs that foster character development has been established. The Youth Center prides itself in providing a perfect backdrop (62 acres of woods, meadows, creeks...) for their programming as well as other youth oganization activities.

Earnest Shepherd Youth Center is a private, non-profit agency with IRS 501©(3) designation. We are funded through grants, individual and business donations, and fundraising events.

Donations are welcome and tax deductible. Please mail check to
Earnest Shepherd Memorial Youth Center
610 E. Shepherd Road
Liberty, MO 64068
Edna Shepherd was a woman before her time. She was a successful business woman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Edna was a lifetime member of the Board of Directors and actively served on the Board until her death.

"What a man does for himself, dies with him. What he does for his community lives forever."
- Author Unknown
This quote was on the very first fundraising letter sent out by Kemp Woods in the early 60's.
Kemp was the driving force behind the vision of the Youth Center. His leadership and dedication to the youth of the area helped the Youth Center succeed.