Objective
To provide safe, welcoming and inclusive housing for youth who have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)-abuse, violence, or sexual exploitation.
Goals
— To provide youth with a safe place free from abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment.
— To provide youth with mental/behavioral therapy and wrap-around services that promote healing as well as increased understanding, education, awareness, and prevention of victimization.
— To seek reintegration within the family unit when possible.
— To seek increased high school graduation rates and post-graduate college/career readiness.
Program Statement
The purpose of our program is PEOPLE. We are eager to break the destructive supply and demand cycle of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and exploitation of humans by replacing it with an opportunity for each person to live a life of autonomy, responsibility, and productivity. We are here to assist individuals in crises and experiencing complex trauma with person-centered solutions to better their lives and reach their full potential of emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental freedom.
Program Overview
In a world where acceptance and understanding are fundamental, we proudly present a specialized safe space designed specifically for youth who identify as LGBTQ+. Our mission is solution focused, by identifying solutions and proactive strategies to reduce risk of victimization. Our vision is to curate a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where young individuals can explore their identities, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of community.
Our Confidential Services
We offer an array of confidential services for youth who are in foster care and are recovering from victimization. Our Mind, Body and Wellness programs focus on Equestrian care and are an extension to address complex traumas.
*To protect the safety of our clients all information is confidential. If you or someone you know needs help please call +1 (786) 529-4849
Foster Care
Youth in foster care often face unique challenges that require specialized services and support to ensure their well-being and successful transition to adulthood. Here are the key services and support mechanisms available for foster care youth:
Key Services for Foster Care Youth
1. Case Management: Social workers and case managers coordinate care, develop individualized plans, and provide ongoing support and advocacy for foster youth.
2. Healthcare Services: Foster youth receive access to medical, dental, and mental health services, often through Medicaid or other public health programs. Regular health screenings and treatments are essential.
3. Educational Support: Services include tutoring, school liaison programs, special education support, and assistance with school enrollment and records. Some programs offer scholarships and grants for higher education.
4. Therapeutic Services: Many foster youth require counseling and therapeutic services to address trauma, behavioral issues, and emotional well-being. This can include individual therapy, family therapy, and support groups.
5. Life Skills Training: Programs teach essential life skills such as financial literacy, cooking, job readiness, time management, and household management to prepare youth for independent living.
6. Housing Assistance: Transitional housing programs, such as supervised independent living programs and group homes, provide stable living environments. Extended foster care programs allow youth to remain in care beyond 18.
7. Employment Services: Job training, resume building, interview preparation, and job placement services help foster youth gain employment and work experience.
8. Mentoring Programs: Mentorship programs connect foster youth with caring adults who provide guidance, support, and positive role models.
9. Legal Services: Legal advocacy and support help youth navigate the legal system, address issues such as obtaining identification, and ensure their rights are protected.
10. Recreational and Extracurricular Activities: Participation in sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities helps foster youth develop social skills, build self-esteem, and pursue their interests.
Importance Of Support Services
1. Stability and Continuity: Consistent support helps provide stability and continuity in the lives of foster youth, who often experience frequent changes in placement and caregivers.
2. Trauma-Informed Care: Services that are sensitive to the trauma many foster youth have experienced are crucial for their emotional and psychological healing.
3. Skill Development: Teaching practical life skills and providing educational support prepares foster youth for successful transitions to adulthood and independence.
4. Emotional Support: Therapeutic and mentoring services offer emotional support, helping foster youth develop resilience and cope with challenges.
5. Improved Outcomes: Comprehensive support services contribute to better long-term outcomes, such as higher educational attainment, stable employment, and reduced rates of homelessness and criminal involvement.
Programs And Initiatives
1. Independent Living Programs (ILP): Provide services to help youth transition from foster care to independent living, including life skills training, housing assistance, and educational support.
2. Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative: HUD program that offers housing vouchers and support services to youth aging out of foster care.
3. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program: Provides funding for states to offer services such as education, employment training, and financial assistance to help youth transition to adulthood.
4. Youth Villages LifeSet: A program that provides intensive individualized support to young people aging out of foster care, focusing on education, employment, housing, and life skills.
5. Guardian Scholars Program: Provides scholarships, academic support, and mentoring to foster youth pursuing higher education.
Challenges and Considerations
1. Aging Out: Many foster youth age out of the system at 18 without adequate preparation or support, leading to high rates of homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration. Extended foster care programs help address this.
2. Access to Services: Ensuring all foster youth have equal access to necessary services, regardless of their location or placement, is a critical challenge.
3. Trauma and Mental Health: Addressing the complex trauma and mental health needs of foster youth requires specialized, trauma-informed care and adequate funding.
4. Continuity of Care: Frequent placement changes can disrupt access to consistent healthcare, education, and support services. Efforts to maintain stability and continuity are essential.
In conclusion, foster care youth require a comprehensive range of services and support to overcome the challenges they face and to succeed in life. Through coordinated efforts in healthcare, education, employment, life skills training, and emotional support, these programs aim to provide foster youth with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
Extended Foster Care
Extended foster care is a system that allows young people to remain in foster care beyond the age of 18, typically until they are 21. This extended support can be crucial for their transition to adulthood. Here are several reasons why extended foster care is important:
1. Continued Support: Young adults often still need guidance and support as they transition to independence. Extended foster care provides continued access to resources, mentorship, and emotional support during this critical period.
2. Education and Employment: Extended foster care allows youth to continue their education or vocational training without the immediate pressure of full independence. This support can lead to higher educational attainment and better job prospects.
3. Stability: Aging out of foster care without a stable support system can lead to homelessness, unemployment, or involvement in the criminal justice system. Extended foster care offers a stable environment, reducing these risks.
4. Life Skills Development: Extended foster care programs often focus on teaching life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and job searching, which are essential for successful independent living.
5. Healthcare Access: Young adults in extended foster care typically retain access to healthcare services, ensuring they can continue to address their physical and mental health needs during a vulnerable time in their lives.
6. Building Relationships: Extended foster care provides additional time for young adults to form lasting relationships with mentors, caregivers, and peers, which can offer a network of support as they transition to adulthood.
7. Personal Growth: The extra time in a supportive environment allows young adults to mature at their own pace, fostering personal growth and resilience.
8. Reduced Societal Costs: By providing support and stability, extended foster care can reduce the long-term societal costs associated with homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration among former foster youth.
In summary, extended foster care is vital for helping young adults transition smoothly into independent living, providing them with the necessary support, resources, and stability to succeed in adulthood.
Neurodiversity Support Group
Support groups for parents and healthcare professionals caring for medically compromised children offer numerous benefits, providing a sense of community, resources, and emotional support. Here are key reasons why these groups are important:
For Parents
1. Emotional Support: Sharing experiences with others who understand their challenges can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide emotional comfort.
2. Information and Resources: Parents can exchange valuable information about treatments, therapies, and services, helping them make informed decisions about their child’s care.
3. Coping Strategies: Learning from others’ experiences can offer new coping strategies and practical tips for managing daily challenges.
4. Advocacy and Empowerment: Support groups can empower parents to advocate for their children’s needs more effectively, whether in healthcare settings, schools, or the community.
5. Stress Relief: Regularly connecting with a supportive community can reduce stress and improve mental health, allowing parents to care for their children more effectively.
For Healthcare Professionals
1. Professional Support: Sharing experiences and challenges with peers can provide emotional and professional support, reducing burnout and compassion fatigue.
2. Continuing Education: Support groups can serve as a forum for sharing the latest research, treatments, and best practices, enhancing professional knowledge and skills.
3. Collaborative Problem-Solving: Discussing difficult cases or situations with colleagues can lead to innovative solutions and improved patient care.
4. Networking: Building a network of peers can provide professional opportunities, mentorship, and collaborative projects that benefit both individuals and their patients.
5. Emotional Wellbeing: Healthcare professionals dealing with the emotional toll of caring for medically compromised children can find solace and strength in a community that understands their unique challenges.
Types of Support Groups
1. In-Person Support Groups: Local hospitals, clinics, and community centers often host regular meetings where parents and professionals can connect face-to-face.
2. Online Support Groups: Websites and social media platforms host forums and groups where members can share experiences, ask questions, and offer support regardless of geographical location.
3. Condition-Specific Groups: These groups focus on specific medical conditions, providing tailored information and support for the particular challenges associated with those conditions.
4. Professional Associations: Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics or the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners often offer support networks and resources for healthcare professionals.
In conclusion, support groups are vital for both parents and healthcare professionals caring for medically compromised children, offering emotional relief, practical advice, and a sense of community that enhances overall wellbeing and care quality.
Impact Reports
Executive Summary:
This impact report provides a comprehensive overview of our youth programs and services over the past year. Our objective is to foster the personal, social, and academic development of young people in our community. We aim to empower youth through educational initiatives, mentorship, intensive wraparound services, recreational activities, and social engagement. This report highlights key achievements, challenges faced, participant feedback, and future directions.
1. Program Overview
Our youth programs encompass a range of services, including:
– After-school enrichment and academic support
– Leadership/Entrepreneurship development workshops
– STEAM Mentorship pairings with community leaders
– Annual Human Trafficking Advocacy & Awareness Initiative
– Launched a clothing/donation drive for local shelter supporting on women and children
– Mental health and wellness initiatives
– Community service projects, approved community service hours provider
2. Key Achievements
Participation Growth:
– Increased enrollment by 30% from the previous year, reaching over 500 youth participants
– Successfully launched three new programs: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Martial Arts), Science Environmental Awareness (SEA), and Creative Arts
Academic Improvement:
– 85% of participants in our enrichment programs reported improved grades
– 90% of high school seniors in our mentorship program graduated on time, with 70% enrolling in post-secondary education
Skill Development:
– Over 250 youth attended leadership workshops, with 95% reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities
– 80% of participants in our STEAM learned basic programming skills, with several students creating their own projects and 10% of participants learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will compete in their first tournament slated for Dec. 2024
Community Engagement:
– Organized four community service events, engaging over 1500 youth in activities— “Paint the District Blue” HT Advocacy/Awareness, community engagement campaign engaging the community members as a whole, participation in the earth day clean with Councilman Pierre Frantz Charles, North Miami District 4
– Established partnerships with local businesses and organizations to support program initiatives and provide resources
3. Participant Feedback
– Conducted surveys and focus groups with participants and parents to gather insights on program effectiveness
Positive Feedback:
– 92% of participants felt more connected to their peers
– 88% reported improved social skills and confidence levels
Areas for Improvement:
– Participants expressed a desire for more diverse program offerings, particularly in the creative arts and technology
– Some parents requested extended hours for after-school enrichment programs to accommodate working schedules and weekends
4. Challenges Faced
– Limited funding restricted the expansion of programs and resources
– Difficulty in recruiting and retaining qualified staff and volunteers
– Navigating the impacts of the ongoing pandemic on in-person activities and mental health of participants
5. Future Directions
Program Expansion:
