ST. CLOUD - Catholic Charities has broken ground on a new Intensive Treatment Cottage at the St. Cloud Children's Home.

The new building will replace the existing facility, which was built in 1924 as an orphanage.  Over time the home transitioned from an orphanage to residential treatment.

Tim Lieser is the Director of Residential and Day Programs for Catholic Charities.  He says the facility will treat both boys and girls diagnosed with mental illnesses.

Catholic Charities St. Cloud Children's Home is made-up of six cottages. This program is in Cottage 2.

The sixteen kids, ages 12-18, will be separated in gender specific areas.

Lieser says they have a similar facility in Fergus Falls, but the program is unique.

The cost of the project is $4.6 million, paid for with money from an $8 million capital campaign.

When it's finished, five more staff will be added.

The new facility is expected to be open by June of next year.

The St. Cloud Children's Home is located at 1726 Seventh Avenue South.

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