2018 was a big year for the teen center in DeWitt County but the organization's leader has equally big plans for 2019.

The Vault opened its doors officially on the downtown Clinton Square and Michelle Witzke says their opening only allows for activity on the first floor, so their goal is to have the lower level complete by mid-year.

Fundraising for 2019 will continue to be a big focus. Witzke explains the center will be a free place for youth to come and so they have to find a way to subsidize not only their overhead costs but they are hoping to compensate some of their more involved volunteers.

Witzke indicates their operational costs are estimated at about $25,000 but to compensate volunteers, they are looking at about an annual budget of $75,000 to $80,000 in yearly expenses. Owning the building on the square has helped The Vault keep their yearly costs down.