Program Description
The Youth Bridge, Inc. Junior Civic League Transitional Living Program (TLP) serves a mixed gender population of homeless or near homeless youth adults between the ages of 16 and 23 who lack an adequate support network/system, or who do not have the education, skills and economic resources necessary to be self-sufficient. This program is for young adults who wish to work towards acquiring social, educational, and/or vocational skills that will help them to live independently and be self-sufficient, positive members of society.
The TLP believes that it is very important to provide participants with the education and skills needed to become successful and pro-social adults. The program provides psycho-educational classes on an individual and group basis that focuses on the following topics:
- Community Resources
- Emergency and personal safety skills
- Interpersonal Communication skills
- Legal Issues
- Housing Issues
- Support networking
- Obtaining Child care
- Money management and consumer awareness
- Access to social services
- Food management and housekeeping
- Health and personal hygiene
- Education/Vocational training
- Job Seeking and employment etiquette
- Transportation resources
One of the program goals is to encourage and support participants to pursue higher education or vocational trade as well as gain quality work experience. Therefore, it is recommended that participants obtain and maintain employment in addition to enrollment in a higher education or vocation program.
"Copper Creek" is provided by a RHY Youth grant specifically for 17 & 18 year old girls that are either in runaway situations or without permanent stable housing situations. These girls are still under the legal custody of their parents or formal guardian and not wards of the state. This is an independent learning facility to better prepare these girls for adulthood. Copper Creek is staffed by a Case manager, supervisor, mental health professional, mental health paraprofessional, and 24-hour Youth Care workers. Each client is required to participate in program goals, education, independent case plans and therapeutic activities as seen necessary in their individual case plans. These young ladies work on a level system based entirely on their merit and ability. This is a youth -driven program so clients are encouraged and required to take part in their own decision-making and goal setting. This is a 100% voluntary program and clients cannot be court ordered or forced to remain in the program against their wishes. If the client does not wish to participate, the responsibility falls completely on the legal guardian to ensure safety and welfare or authorities must be contacted.
"Julie House" is provided by a RHY Adult grant for males and females 18-21. This program is for young adults without housing. It is far less restrictive in staffing, but more extensive in the responsibilities expected of the clients. Clients in this program are held to a higher standard to be self-sufficient and independent with guidance from a case manager, skills’ specialist, and overnight Youth Care staff for emergencies and safety oversight. These clients are expected to strive for 100% independence by completion of the program. The rules of this program are very firm. Clients are expected to fully participate in and follow case plans they set up for the goals they have identified. This is a voluntary program. Client do not pay rent but are required to contribute toward a graduation fund, as well as, and personal savings.
“HUD 1 & HUD2" is an apartment-based program that serves homeless young adults 18-21 years of age and their children, if they have full legal custody of them. This program serves single parents, small family units (both parents must meet age criteria) and individuals who have successfully graduated to an appropriate independent level that no longer needs to be in a group living environment offered by the Julie House. The apartments are two bedrooms and are shared with another young adult and possibly their child as well. While these apartments are considered offsite from Youth Bridge, the program participants are monitored by Case management, skills specialist, Youth care workers, as well as a Program Manager. The Program Managers have keys to all apartments. Random inspections are conducted by staff frequently without notice. Inspections can and do take place at off hours, as well as, for curfew checks. This program requires each client to pay a utility payment of $150/month. And, clients are expected to contribute toward a savings program as well. All client participation is voluntary. These clients are held to a higher expectation than the group environment because of the level of independence and the responsibilities for child rearing.
For more information, contact Anthony Rocko at 479-575-9471, or email arocko@youthbridge.com.
