Early Tuesday morning, on January 21st, we faced a heartbreaking setback in our Nevada community—two of Koinonia’s Day Treatment transport vehicles were destroyed in a devastating fire, which fire officials have ruled as an act of arson. Investigators believe the fire started when someone attempted to drill into a gas tank, causing a spark that ignited the leaking fuel. Within moments, both vehicles were engulfed in flames, leaving behind nothing but charred remains.
These vehicles were an essential part of our Day Treatment Program, serving Nevada youth who have experienced trauma and need extra support. Every day, they provided safe transportation from schools to our program and outings that helped foster healing and create meaningful memories.
The Impact of the Loss
The loss of these vehicles has had far-reaching effects on our team and the youth we serve:
- Program Disruptions: Without reliable transportation, our ability to provide seamless services has been significantly impacted. Drop-offs, pickups, and even outdoor activities—like basketball and walking laps for emotional coping—have been disrupted due to the residual presence of the burned vehicles in our back parking lot.
- A Critical Resource for Healing: The Day Treatment Program plays a vital role in supporting youth who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Losing these vehicles limits our ability to create the enriching experiences that are integral to their emotional and social development.
- Emotional Toll: For the children in our program, this incident has been unsettling, raising questions about safety and triggering fears. For our staff, seeing the vehicles—symbols of shared experiences—destroyed has been overwhelming, as has the added concern for safety during evening transports.
The Importance of Our Day Treatment Program
The Day Treatment Program provides more than just therapy to the Nevada community. It is a lifeline for youth who need structured, consistent support to rebuild their lives. Through individualized care, group activities, and trauma-informed services, the program creates a space where healing can begin and hope is restored. Outings facilitated by the destroyed vehicles are not just field trips—they are opportunities for youth to form connections, practice social skills, and create positive memories that help them thrive.
How You Can Help
While our insurance will provide some reimbursement, it won’t cover the full cost of replacing these vehicles with safe, reliable models. To ensure the ongoing success of our program and the safety of the children we serve, we are turning to our community for help.
Here’s how you can support us:
- Make a Donation: Your financial contributions will help us bridge the gap between insurance coverage and the cost of securing dependable transportation.
- Vehicle Donations: If you have or know of a reliable vehicle in good condition, it could make an immediate difference.
- Spread the Word: Share our story with friends, family, and your network to help us rally the support we need to recover and continue our mission.
The youth we serve rely on us to provide stability, care, and opportunities to heal. We remain committed to continuing this vital work, but we can’t do it alone.
Our community has already begun to take notice of this devastating incident. Local news outlets have covered the fire and its impact on our program, helping raise awareness about our urgent need for support.
🔗 KOLO 8 News Now
🔗 KRNV News 4
We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of concern and support. Every donation, vehicle contribution, and shared story brings us one step closer to replacing what was lost and ensuring the youth we serve continue receiving the care they need.
Please consider making a donation today to help us turn this setback into an opportunity for resilience and growth.
Thank you for your support and for standing with us in our mission to provide hope and healing to vulnerable youth in our community.
Jennifer McWhirter, Contributor