In times of economic hardship, fundraising has become increasingly difficult.

Woodland Hills, a Duluth based non-profit treatment facility helps 1,100 troubled youth annually.

The facility is undergoing an expansion in order to better serve the needs of the young people in their care. LeAnn Wallace has the story.

After 8 years of growing up in various foster homes, running away, and being put on probation, 17 year old Pheyllissa, was ordered to stay at Woodland Hills.

"It was hard for me to transition into a new place and I didn't want to be here so I really struggled a lot when I first got here."

It's a transition that's hard for many troubled youth.

The facilities new expansion hopes to make treatment and the facility feel more like home.

"The expansion is literally going to save the lives of young girls, we've been seeing more and more girls from around the state that we treat that are traumatized, they tend to be aggressive and can be, there's just a lot of girls that need help so we're starting a gender specific program."

"The 22,000 square foot expansion will house 26 girls and the rooms vacated girls in the old campus will be renovated to better suit boys."

"When you're with boys you're kind of focused on what you look like in front of the boys and you know how and what they think of you and your not really focused on why you're here."

Additional funds still need to be raised in order to complete the five and a have million dollar project.

"We need to raise about a million - 2 for our capital campaign drive. We're at about the 45% mark, which we're excited, we're thrilled to be at especially at economy and state of times where it is tough to raise funds."

After 18-months at Woodland Hills Phyllissha says her life has done a 3-60.

"I have a lot of goals for myself, I don't want to just be running the streets or stuff like that I actually wanna do stuff for myself and I plan on, I really like school, I plan on going to college now."

Woodland Hills hopes the new expansion will be complete May of next year, as the facility celebrates its 100th Birthday.

In Duluth, LeAnn Wallace, The Northlands News Center.

Anyone interested in financially helping the facility can tour the campus and meet with residents and staff every Thursday.