Many factors shape a young person’s likelihood of succeeding in school. If you are worried about your next meal, how can you focus on your math test? If you lost sleep last night because there was a commotion in the hall of the homeless shelter where you live, it’s hard to concentrate on chemistry. These are the realities of all too many students in New York City.
Schools today must be more than just a place to learn math and reading. When students are affected by homelessness, hunger, domestic violence, and other challenges that impact their ability to learn, their families and they need comprehensive support from partners they trust. That is where the community school model enters. With a holistic approach, we partner with school leadership to help students and their families with challenges that teachers and school administrators don’t have the capacity or tools to address – everything from on-site counseling to linkage with food stamps and medical services.
As part of the city-wide School Renewal Program – a comprehensive, multi-year, whole-school reform effort to raise the performance of the City’s lowest performing schools and enable students attending these schools to succeed – Rising Ground partners with the JHS 123 – The Bronx Urban Community Magnet School, JHS 022 – Jordan L. Mott, and P.S. 195 in the Bronx.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Support Where You Need It
The community school model is based on the understanding that an integrated focus on academics, health and mental health services, social services, expanded after-school and summer learning opportunities, positive youth development, and family and community supports are critical to improving student achievement.
Under the guidance of our trained Social Workers and support staff, who are on site at the schools daily, all of these elements become part of the core function of the school. We also support extensive parent and community engagement. Each community school serves as a hub where these partners come together to coordinate and integrate a full range of supports based on the needs of individual students and their families. By providing social, emotional and academic enrichment supports for learning, personalization of services to students, and school-wide programming, we make students, families and communities stronger.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Understanding that each community, school, family and student has their own special needs, our community schools take an individualized approach on every level. Each year our Community Schools plan a Community Forum, a collaborative and inclusive event, in which parents, teachers, school leaders, and community stakeholders meet to identify the strengths and needs of the school and the community and agree on strategies to address those needs. We then work together to solve problems, measure progress, and create a welcoming, positive environment where youth and their families can enjoy learning together.
Many factors shape a young person’s likelihood of succeeding in school. If you are worried about your next meal, how can you focus on your math test? If you lost sleep last night because there was a commotion in the hall of the homeless shelter where you live, it’s hard to concentrate on chemistry. These are the realities of all too many students in New York City.
Schools today must be more than just a place to learn math and reading. When students are affected by homelessness, hunger, domestic violence, and other challenges that impact their ability to learn, their families and they need comprehensive support from partners they trust. That is where the community school model enters. With a holistic approach, we partner with school leadership to help students and their families with challenges that teachers and school administrators don’t have the capacity or tools to address – everything from on-site counseling to linkage with food stamps and medical services.
As part of the city-wide School Renewal Program – a comprehensive, multi-year, whole-school reform effort to raise the performance of the City’s lowest performing schools and enable students attending these schools to succeed – Rising Ground partners with the JHS 123 – The Bronx Urban Community Magnet School, JHS 022 – Jordan L. Mott, and P.S. 195 in the Bronx.
Support Where You Need It
The community school model is based on the understanding that an integrated focus on academics, health and mental health services, social services, expanded after-school and summer learning opportunities, positive youth development, and family and community supports are critical to improving student achievement.
Under the guidance of our trained Social Workers and support staff, who are on site at the schools daily, all of these elements become part of the core function of the school. We also support extensive parent and community engagement. Each community school serves as a hub where these partners come together to coordinate and integrate a full range of supports based on the needs of individual students and their families. By providing social, emotional and academic enrichment supports for learning, personalization of services to students, and school-wide programming, we make students, families and communities stronger.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Understanding that each community, school, family and student has their own special needs, our community schools take an individualized approach on every level. Each year our Community Schools plan a Community Forum, a collaborative and inclusive event, in which parents, teachers, school leaders, and community stakeholders meet to identify the strengths and needs of the school and the community and agree on strategies to address those needs. We then work together to solve problems, measure progress, and create a welcoming, positive environment where youth and their families can enjoy learning together.
Teen relationship abuse is a pervasive issue among our country’s youth, indiscriminate of socioeconomic status, location, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Across the nation, one in three teenagers (approximately 1.5 million high school students per year) experience abuse from a dating partner or friend. Alarmingly, only one in three of these teens actually tell someone about the abuse they’re experiencing. The impacts of teen relationship abuse can affect individuals and communities long after the abuse stops.
Rising Ground’s Early Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (Early RAPP) is committed to reducing these numbers and empowering the youth of New York City to lead lives free from relationship abuse.
Mission
Early RAPP strives to stop Teen Relationship Abuse before it starts by educating New York City Youth on the warning signs of unhealthy relationships and how to promote healthy ones.
Vision
Early RAPP envisions a cultural shift towards consent, safety, and respect, and a NYC free from the trauma of Teen Relationship Abuse.
Values
Whether in the classroom or the community at large, we value compassion, authenticity, and wellness in everything that we do.
How does Early RAPP work?
The Early Relationship Abuse Prevention Program at STEPS provides free and interactive prevention education to 64 DOE Public Middle Schools serving 6th-8th grade around New York City. At Early RAPP, we value evidence-based, trauma-informed, and compassionate prevention education for youth as they begin to explore different types of relationships.
Using a healthy relationship training model, Community Educators facilitate workshops for students, parents, school staff, and community members. We also offer workshops to community-based organizations and service providers around New York City. In addition to this work, we connect students and families to critical support services and counseling.
The Early RAPP team at STEPS consists of eight Community Educators, each of whom serves eight schools, which are geographically clustered to maximize time in every school. We have schools in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx. This model allows our Community Educators to get to know each school community, and provide individualized services based on a given school’s needs and priorities.
What kinds of workshops are offered?
Throughout our core workshops, we facilitate critical conversations with both youth and adults about:
Teen Relationship Abuse
Consent and Boundaries
Sexual Harassment vs. Flirting
Healthy Relationships
We also offer supplemental workshops following the four-part core series including:
Gender Roles
Gender Identity and Sexuality
Homophobia and Transphobia
Power, Privilege, and Oppression
Puberty and All About The Body
Self Care
Bullying Prevention
Tech Abuse and Digital Safety
Conflict Resolution and Healthy Communication
& more!
Become an Early RAPP school
Early RAPP is currently looking to bring on several public middle schools (non-charter) in Queens, and two in Upper Manhattan and The Bronx. If you are interested in learning more about Early RAPP or bringing our program to your school, reach out to the Early RAPP Supervisor, Danielle Naghi, LMSW at [email protected]
Early RAPP is a part of Rising Ground’s holistic program of services for victims of gender-based violence with a focus on prevention, intervention, and policy advocacy.
Teen relationship abuse is a pervasive issue among our country’s youth, indiscriminate of socioeconomic status, location, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Across the nation, one in three teenagers (approximately 1.5 million high school students per year) experience abuse from a dating partner or friend. Alarmingly, only one in three of these teens actually tell someone about the abuse they’re experiencing. The impacts of teen relationship abuse can affect individuals and communities long after the abuse stops.
Rising Ground’s Early Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (Early RAPP) is committed to reducing these numbers and empowering the youth of New York City to lead lives free from relationship abuse.
Mission
Early RAPP strives to stop Teen Relationship Abuse before it starts by educating New York City Youth on the warning signs of unhealthy relationships and how to promote healthy ones.
Vision
Early RAPP envisions a cultural shift towards consent, safety, and respect, and a NYC free from the trauma of Teen Relationship Abuse.
Values
Whether in the classroom or the community at large, we value compassion, authenticity, and wellness in everything that we do.
How does Early RAPP work?
The Early Relationship Abuse Prevention Program at STEPS provides free and interactive prevention education to 64 DOE Public Middle Schools serving 6th-8th grade around New York City. At Early RAPP, we value evidence-based, trauma-informed, and compassionate prevention education for youth as they begin to explore different types of relationships.
Using a healthy relationship training model, Community Educators facilitate workshops for students, parents, school staff, and community members. We also offer workshops to community-based organizations and service providers around New York City. In addition to this work, we connect students and families to critical support services and counseling.
The Early RAPP team at STEPS consists of eight Community Educators, each of whom serves eight schools, which are geographically clustered to maximize time in every school. We have schools in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx. This model allows our Community Educators to get to know each school community, and provide individualized services based on a given school’s needs and priorities.
What kinds of workshops are offered?
Throughout our core workshops, we facilitate critical conversations with both youth and adults about:
Teen Relationship Abuse
Consent and Boundaries
Sexual Harassment vs. Flirting
Healthy Relationships
We also offer supplemental workshops following the four-part core series including:
Gender Roles
Gender Identity and Sexuality
Homophobia and Transphobia
Power, Privilege, and Oppression
Puberty and All About The Body
Self Care
Bullying Prevention
Tech Abuse and Digital Safety
Conflict Resolution and Healthy Communication
& more!
Become an Early RAPP school
Early RAPP is currently looking to bring on several public middle schools (non-charter) in Queens, and two in Upper Manhattan and The Bronx. If you are interested in learning more about Early RAPP or bringing our program to your school, reach out to the Early RAPP Supervisor, Danielle Naghi, LMSW at DNaghi@risingground.org
Early RAPP is a part of Rising Ground’s holistic program of services for victims of gender-based violence with a focus on prevention, intervention, and policy advocacy.
Since 1999, the Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) through STEPS to End Family Violence, has embedded social work clinicians in New York City public middle and high schools to provide individual therapy, group support, and school and community-wide training and education designed to educate and respond to all forms of abusive behaviors, including bullying, gender-based violence, and teen dating abuse. RAPP engages young people in both a preventive and interventive capacity to promote healthy relationships on an individual and systemic level.
RAPP is one of the most expansive abuse prevention programs in the United States with a mission of ending relational abuse and promoting healthy relating and communication. The RAPP curriculum educates young people in identifying dynamics of abusive behaviors and working to prevent them from becoming patterns.
As young people enter adolescence – a critical time for identity formation and exploring peer and dating relationships – it is incredibly valuable for teens to have access and support around positive relationship development. Our RAPP Coordinators are singularly committed to engaging and supporting teens using developmentally appropriate, culturally–responsive, survivor-centered, trauma-informed, healing–centered and anti–oppressive practices.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
RAPP Offers
Individual Counseling
Group Counseling
Crisis Intervention
Staff Trainings & Workshops
Parent Workshops
Community Presentations
Classroom Workshops
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Workshop Topics
Teen Relationship Abuse
Sexual Violence and Consent
Healthy Relationships
Bullying & Cyber-bullying
Mental Health
Self Care
4 I's of Oppression
Gender & Sexuality
Toxic Masculinity
Communication Styles
Restorative Practices
& more
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Summer Peer Leadership
Each year, RAPP Coordinators hire students from their school communities for a paid, intensive youth leadership program. Students apply and are hired as Peer Leaders to learn about intimate partner violence, teen dating violence, and how a variety of social issues compound to impact the experience of survivorship. Each RAPP Summer Program culminates in a showcase facilitated for youth, by youth.
Rising Ground’s RAPP is currently partnering with 17 schools in the NYC area:
Grover Cleveland High School
High School of Fashion Industries
Brandeis Campus
William Taft Educational Campus
The Beacon School Campus
Park West Educational Campus
George Washington Educational Campus
George Wingate Educational Campus
Truman High School Campus
Prospect Heights Educational Campus
I.S. 228 David A Boody
Manhattan Center for Science and Math Campus
Bronx Mathematics Preparatory School
Middle School 50
NYC Lab School for Collaborative Studies
Paula Hedbavny School
Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=""]
Contact Us
For more information on RAPP or requests for workshops, please reach out to Senior Director, Paths to Success, MaryAnn Van Nostrand ([email protected]).
Since 1999, the Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) through STEPS to End Family Violence, has embedded social work clinicians in New York City public middle and high schools to provide individual therapy, group support, and school and community-wide training and education designed to educate and respond to all forms of abusive behaviors, including bullying, gender-based violence, and teen dating abuse. RAPP engages young people in both a preventive and interventive capacity to promote healthy relationships on an individual and systemic level.
RAPP is one of the most expansive abuse prevention programs in the United States with a mission of ending relational abuse and promoting healthy relating and communication. The RAPP curriculum educates young people in identifying dynamics of abusive behaviors and working to prevent them from becoming patterns.
As young people enter adolescence – a critical time for identity formation and exploring peer and dating relationships – it is incredibly valuable for teens to have access and support around positive relationship development. Our RAPP Coordinators are singularly committed to engaging and supporting teens using developmentally appropriate, culturally–responsive, survivor-centered, trauma-informed, healing–centered and anti–oppressive practices.
RAPP Offers
Individual Counseling
Group Counseling
Crisis Intervention
Staff Trainings & Workshops
Parent Workshops
Community Presentations
Classroom Workshops
Workshop Topics
Teen Relationship Abuse
Sexual Violence and Consent
Healthy Relationships
Bullying & Cyber-bullying
Mental Health
Self Care
4 I’s of Oppression
Gender & Sexuality
Toxic Masculinity
Communication Styles
Restorative Practices
& more
Summer Peer Leadership
Each year, RAPP Coordinators hire students from their school communities for a paid, intensive youth leadership program. Students apply and are hired as Peer Leaders to learn about intimate partner violence, teen dating violence, and how a variety of social issues compound to impact the experience of survivorship. Each RAPP Summer Program culminates in a showcase facilitated for youth, by youth.
Rising Ground’s RAPP is currently partnering with 17 schools in the NYC area:
Grover Cleveland High School
High School of Fashion Industries
Brandeis Campus
William Taft Educational Campus
The Beacon School Campus
Park West Educational Campus
George Washington Educational Campus
George Wingate Educational Campus
Truman High School Campus
Prospect Heights Educational Campus
I.S. 228 David A Boody
Manhattan Center for Science and Math Campus
Bronx Mathematics Preparatory School
Middle School 50
NYC Lab School for Collaborative Studies
Paula Hedbavny School
Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts
Contact Us
For more information on RAPP or requests for workshops, please reach out to Senior Director, Paths to Success, MaryAnn Van Nostrand (mvannostrand@risingground.org).
Contact us to learn more
Contact
MaryAnn Van Nostrand, Senior Director, Paths to Success
Teen relationship abuse is a pervasive issue among our country’s youth, indiscriminate of socioeconomic status, location, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Across the nation, one in three teenagers (approximately 1.5 million high school students per year) experience abuse from a dating partner or friend. Alarmingly, only one in three of these teens actually tell someone about the abuse they’re experiencing. The impacts of teen relationship abuse can affect individuals and communities long after the abuse stops.
Our Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) is the nation’s largest teen dating violence prevention program. At 17 middle and high school campuses across New York City, our social workers provide individual counseling, group work, in-class education, and training through the school community on healthy relationships. We work with young people to help them understand healthy relationships and consent. Our Early RAPP brings community educators to provide special programming in middle schools across the city.
Teen relationship abuse is a pervasive issue among our country’s youth, indiscriminate of socioeconomic status, location, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Across the nation, one in three teenagers (approximately 1.5 million high school students per year) experience abuse from a dating partner or friend. Alarmingly, only one in three of these teens actually tell someone about the abuse they’re experiencing. The impacts of teen relationship abuse can affect individuals and communities long after the abuse stops.
Our Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) is the nation’s largest teen dating violence prevention program. At 17 middle and high school campuses across New York City, our social workers provide individual counseling, group work, in-class education, and training through the school community on healthy relationships. We work with young people to help them understand healthy relationships and consent. Our Early RAPP brings community educators to provide special programming in middle schools across the city.
Rising Ground's Early Relationship Abuse Prevention Program provides free and interactive prevention education to 64 NYC Public Middle Schools serving 6th-8th grade. We value evidence-based, trauma-informed, and compassionate prevention education for youth as they begin to explore different types of relationships.
Our Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) is the nation’s largest teen dating violence prevention program. At 17 middle and high school campuses across New York City, we work with young people to help them understand healthy relationships and consent.
Addressing the Unique Needs of Girls, LGBTQ+ & GNC Youth
JustUs is a gender-responsive diversion program for girls and LGBTQ+ young people who are either involved, or at high risk of involvement, in the juvenile legal system.
Our highly skilled team works with young people and their chosen support system to create and follow through with an individualized, holistic plan aimed at helping them thrive. By hearing and meeting young people where they are, we help them create the life they want. We center the lived experiences of the young people we support, focus on their healing and provide financial incentives to participate. We both work with young people on a one-on-one basis and work to create space where young people can come together to build community.
OUR STORY// JustUs was born out of a task force started by the Vera Institute for Justice. Through this task force, New York City became interested in funding a demonstration program that was aimed at eradicating girl’s detention in the city. From there, Rising Ground's STEPS to End Family Violence program and Girls for Gender Equity were chosen to execute a demonstration program. Follow us on Instagram @JustUsBrooklyn!
REFERRAL PROCESS
Interested in joining or referring a young person to JustUs? Submit a form online here. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 646-891-8351.
AFTER THE REFERRAL
After a young person is referred, our Intake Coordinator will reach out to them within 48 hours. The young person will have space to ask questions and decide
how they would like to proceed.
THE INTAKE PROCESS
JustUs has a holistic, client-centered intake process. Our Intake Coordinator will connect with the young person over 3-6 intake session before they are
officially a part of the program.
Rising Ground brings two unique histories to JustUs -- as one of the first human services organizations to address juvenile justice issues in the 1980s and as a leader in gender-based and intimate-partner violence. Stemming from the historic testimony of women incarcerated at the Bedford Hills Women’s Correctional Facility who testified to their histories of battering and its relationship to their criminal charges in 1986, led by the legendary Sister Mary Nerney, Rising Ground's STEPS to End Family Violence offers holistic program of services for survivors of intimate partner and other forms of gender-based violence with wide-reaching focuses on healing, prevention, intervention, and policy advocacy.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Contact us to learn more about our JustUs programs.
Addressing the Unique Needs of Girls, LGBTQ+ & GNC Youth
JustUs is a gender-responsive diversion program for girls and LGBTQ+ young people who are either involved, or at high risk of involvement, in the juvenile legal system.
Our highly skilled team works with young people and their chosen support system to create and follow through with an individualized, holistic plan aimed at helping them thrive. By hearing and meeting young people where they are, we help them create the life they want. We center the lived experiences of the young people we support, focus on their healing and provide financial incentives to participate. We both work with young people on a one-on-one basis and work to create space where young people can come together to build community.
OUR STORY// JustUs was born out of a task force started by the Vera Institute for Justice. Through this task force, New York City became interested in funding a demonstration program that was aimed at eradicating girl’s detention in the city. From there, Rising Ground’s STEPS to End Family Violence program and Girls for Gender Equity were chosen to execute a demonstration program. Follow us on Instagram @JustUsBrooklyn!
OUR SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING
1-to-1 client-centered therapy sessions
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Money management & financial literacy training
Career readiness workshops
Workplace Pilot (6-week paid internship)
GROUP WORK
Weekly drop-in group sessions
3 month cohort (self & community exploration)
6 month cohort (activism & organizing)
Connect with JustUs
REFERRAL PROCESS
Interested in joining or referring a young person to JustUs? Submit a form online here. For more information, please email diversionreferrals@risingground.org or call 646-891-8351.
AFTER THE REFERRAL
After a young person is referred, our Intake Coordinator will reach out to them within 48 hours. The young person will have space to ask questions and decide
how they would like to proceed.
THE INTAKE PROCESS
JustUs has a holistic, client-centered intake process. Our Intake Coordinator will connect with the young person over 3-6 intake session before they are
officially a part of the program.
How we began!
Rising Ground brings two unique histories to JustUs — as one of the first human services organizations to address juvenile justice issues in the 1980s and as a leader in gender-based and intimate-partner violence. Stemming from the historic testimony of women incarcerated at the Bedford Hills Women’s Correctional Facility who testified to their histories of battering and its relationship to their criminal charges in 1986, led by the legendary Sister Mary Nerney, Rising Ground’s STEPS to End Family Violence offers holistic program of services for survivors of intimate partner and other forms of gender-based violence with wide-reaching focuses on healing, prevention, intervention, and policy advocacy.
Contact us to learn more about our JustUs programs.
Bad decisions and increasingly delinquent behavior can often lead to further court involvement and eventually placement in a juvenile justice facility or jail time for young adults. This disruption can halt progress in school, in the family, and across life experiences. For young people who do not pose an imminent threat to others, the ability to explore the root causes of such behavior and find a way to redirect their trajectories while still able to participate in the community is preferable. In various ways, we work to provide therapeutic services, create systems of support, and help youth explore alternative paths forward.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Mentoring Programs
Rising Ground provides several opportunities for youth to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas with others who have similar experiences to envision a new path forward and create a system of support between youth and adults. We conduct two mentoring programs — Plus Mentoring for youth referred by the Department of Probation and My Next Move. Our My Next Move program supports both young men leaving residential placement as well as those who have been court involved and those who are at risk of involvement. Participation in this program is voluntary, and we invite youth and their families to reach out to us about how this program can help prevent further court involvement. Learn more here .
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Family Respite
The Rising Ground Family Respite Program provides temporary respite for families with youth who are at risk of becoming court involved or risk further involvement with the juvenile justice system. The Family Respite program helps families during times of crisis by giving them a break from the daily challenges they cope with. This can be in response to a court mandate or through voluntary admission when delinquent behavior poses a threat to the family’s functioning and youth risk court involvement. A respite gives them youth and families a chance to refocus and gain perspective. Respite periods range from 1-21 days, depending on the need. Rising Ground supports youth in all five boroughs of New York City.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=""]
ATLAS Program
Rising Ground partners with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice to provide community services through the Atlas program. In the past few years, New York City has significantly reduced arrest and incarceration rates while shifting toward support-oriented safety strategies. We provide services to young adults, typically 18-24, who have been released from court on their own recognizance and remain court involved. Referrals are made based on a recognition that those with elevated risk factors for involvement in violent or criminal behavior can benefit from therapeutic, as well as community and neighborhood, supports. Our credible specialists provide outreach and tailored, voluntary, evidence-based programs — such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), intensive employment and job training, and education supports.
Contact: Emely Nunez, Intake Coordinator: [email protected]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Alternatives to Incarceration
Another way Rising Ground is working with New York City is through our Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) programs. Courts and schools refer youth to Rising Ground to receive services that provide support to youth engaging in delinquent behavior while avoiding placement in a juvenile justice facility and avoid disruption of school and home life. ATI programs citywide reduce the court’s reliance on incarceration, lower the jail population, and allow people to remain in their communities while increasing stability and well-being. We provide a wide array of services to meet the specific needs of youth referred to us. These can include mental health and substance use treatment, vocational and educational supports, and trauma-informed individual and group counseling, as well as supervision and regular reporting to the court.
Recognizing the unique needs and challenges of young women and LGBTQ+ and gender non-conforming youth, we also have partnered with the City to create JustUs , a similar diversion program that is tailored to meet the unique needs of these populations.
Contact us to learn more about our Alternatives and Preventative programs.
Bad decisions and increasingly delinquent behavior can often lead to further court involvement and eventually placement in a juvenile justice facility or jail time for young adults. This disruption can halt progress in school, in the family, and across life experiences. For young people who do not pose an imminent threat to others, the ability to explore the root causes of such behavior and find a way to redirect their trajectories while still able to participate in the community is preferable. In various ways, we work to provide therapeutic services, create systems of support, and help youth explore alternative paths forward.
Mentoring Programs
Rising Ground provides several opportunities for youth to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas with others who have similar experiences to envision a new path forward and create a system of support between youth and adults. We conduct two mentoring programs — Plus Mentoring for youth referred by the Department of Probation and My Next Move. Our My Next Move program supports both young men leaving residential placement as well as those who have been court involved and those who are at risk of involvement. Participation in this program is voluntary, and we invite youth and their families to reach out to us about how this program can help prevent further court involvement. Learn more here .
Family Respite
The Rising Ground Family Respite Program provides temporary respite for families with youth who are at risk of becoming court involved or risk further involvement with the juvenile justice system. The Family Respite program helps families during times of crisis by giving them a break from the daily challenges they cope with. This can be in response to a court mandate or through voluntary admission when delinquent behavior poses a threat to the family’s functioning and youth risk court involvement. A respite gives them youth and families a chance to refocus and gain perspective. Respite periods range from 1-21 days, depending on the need. Rising Ground supports youth in all five boroughs of New York City.
ATLAS Program
Rising Ground partners with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice to provide community services through the Atlas program. In the past few years, New York City has significantly reduced arrest and incarceration rates while shifting toward support-oriented safety strategies. We provide services to young adults, typically 18-24, who have been released from court on their own recognizance and remain court involved. Referrals are made based on a recognition that those with elevated risk factors for involvement in violent or criminal behavior can benefit from therapeutic, as well as community and neighborhood, supports. Our credible specialists provide outreach and tailored, voluntary, evidence-based programs — such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), intensive employment and job training, and education supports.
Contact: Emely Nunez, Intake Coordinator: ENunez@RisingGround.org
Alternatives to Incarceration
Another way Rising Ground is working with New York City is through our Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) programs. Courts and schools refer youth to Rising Ground to receive services that provide support to youth engaging in delinquent behavior while avoiding placement in a juvenile justice facility and avoid disruption of school and home life. ATI programs citywide reduce the court’s reliance on incarceration, lower the jail population, and allow people to remain in their communities while increasing stability and well-being. We provide a wide array of services to meet the specific needs of youth referred to us. These can include mental health and substance use treatment, vocational and educational supports, and trauma-informed individual and group counseling, as well as supervision and regular reporting to the court.
Recognizing the unique needs and challenges of young women and LGBTQ+ and gender non-conforming youth, we also have partnered with the City to create JustUs , a similar diversion program that is tailored to meet the unique needs of these populations.
Contact us to learn more about our Alternatives and Preventative programs.
Contact us to learn more
Contact
Paris Johnson, Director of Community Programs
PJohnson@risingground.org
Aftercare & Mentoring Programs
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_rgd_header][vc_rgd_headline][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]When youth return home from placement in a residential juvenile justice program, including those we operate, the path is seldom easy. Residential placement means youth have been removed from the world they know and given an opportunity to explore the behaviors and root causes that led to their court involvement. However, putting practices into place and enacting a new mindset can be put to the test when youth re-integrate into the home, family dynamics, school, and the community.
We work with youth after placement to continue on a positive path by providing a system of support - for individuals and families - and continuing conversations about moving forward. Through our Aftercare Family Functional Therapy program and our mentoring programs, we help youth who have been in placement, who are court-involved, and who have been at risk of court involvement to continue to advance their lives in a positive direction.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Family Functional Therapy Aftercare
Specifically for youth leaving placement in a residential program, we work with youth and their families to ensure a successful reintegration into the home, the family, and the community. We work with youth and their families to move beyond past behaviors, family dynamics, and social influences that led to their court involvement and create a new narrative moving forward. In our Aftercare supports, we use the evidence-based Family Functional Therapy model, supported by 30 years of clinical research to help youth with substance abuse challenges and delinquent and antisocial behaviors by engaging the family.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Mentoring Programs
Rising Ground provides several opportunities for youth to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas with others who have similar experiences to envision a new path forward and create a system of support between youth and adults from similar backgrounds. We conduct two mentoring programs. Our My Next Move program works with young men leaving residential placement, those who have been court involved, and those who are at risk of involvement. Participation in this program is voluntary. Our Plus Mentoring program takes a similar approach but specifically supports youth referred by the Department of Probation. Alongside our mentoring programs, our JustUs diversion program includes mentoring and group work that meets the unique needs of young women and LGBTQ+ youth.
Our two mentoring programs are facilitated by credible messengers, individuals who have faced similar challenges and have overcome those challenges. Our team then works to inspire and lend guidance to young people who are in a similar position. The work of the Credible Messenger provides a message of resiliency, credibility and voice that can directly connect to each youth’s inner thoughts and experiences. Our mentors help the young people we support maintain positive and appropriate relationships and provide them with support in making safe decisions.[/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title="My Next Move" style="simple" color="black" open="true" el_class="rgd-accordion-single"]
My Next Move, our Credible Messenger Mentoring Program, brings mentors who have gone through the same experiences with youth and help them to see a positive path forward and provide a system of support as they move forward.
My Next Move provides participants with a safe space for discussion, a hot meal for dinner, round trip Metrocards for transportation, and gift cards for their participation. Group discussion will be facilitated through use of journaling and group processing to help young men, ages 12-18, examine their feelings, evaluate their own behaviors and develop strategies for change.
My Next Move Services include:
Group Therapy twice a week from 4:30 to 7:30 PM
Group-building activities
Fun recreational activities, group outings & Family Events
Inspirational guest speakers
One-on-One Mentoring for more intensive guidance and individualized support
Crisis Intervention & 24/7 Support for youth and family
Connections to Community Resources and Pro-social Activities
Collaboration with Probation & PPS to advocate for your family and ensure consistency in services and goals
Continuity of Services for those coming from Rising Ground placements; we are able to streamline your services since we work closely with our LSP and NSP staff
Plus Mentoring brings mentors who have gone through the same experiences with youth on probation and help them to see a positive path forward and provide a system of support as they move forward.
PLUS provides participants with a safe space for discussion, a hot meal for dinner, round-trip Metrocards for transportation, and gift cards for their participation. Group discussion will be facilitated through use of journaling and group processing to help young men, ages 12-18, examine their feelings, evaluate their own behaviors and develop strategies for change.
Plus Services include:
Group Therapy twice a week from 4 to 6 PM
Group-building activities
Fun recreational activities, group outings & Family Events
Inspirational guest speakers
One-on-One Mentoring for more intensive guidance and individualized support
Crisis Intervention & 24/7 Support for youth and family
Connections to Community Resources and Pro-social Activities
Collaboration with Probation to advocate for your family and ensure consistency in services and goals
[/vc_toggle][vc_column_text]Contact us to learn more about Aftercare and participating in our mentoring programs.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][program-page-foot][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][/vc_row]
When youth return home from placement in a residential juvenile justice program, including those we operate, the path is seldom easy. Residential placement means youth have been removed from the world they know and given an opportunity to explore the behaviors and root causes that led to their court involvement. However, putting practices into place and enacting a new mindset can be put to the test when youth re-integrate into the home, family dynamics, school, and the community.
We work with youth after placement to continue on a positive path by providing a system of support – for individuals and families – and continuing conversations about moving forward. Through our Aftercare Family Functional Therapy program and our mentoring programs, we help youth who have been in placement, who are court-involved, and who have been at risk of court involvement to continue to advance their lives in a positive direction.
Family Functional Therapy Aftercare
Specifically for youth leaving placement in a residential program, we work with youth and their families to ensure a successful reintegration into the home, the family, and the community. We work with youth and their families to move beyond past behaviors, family dynamics, and social influences that led to their court involvement and create a new narrative moving forward. In our Aftercare supports, we use the evidence-based Family Functional Therapy model, supported by 30 years of clinical research to help youth with substance abuse challenges and delinquent and antisocial behaviors by engaging the family.
Mentoring Programs
Rising Ground provides several opportunities for youth to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas with others who have similar experiences to envision a new path forward and create a system of support between youth and adults from similar backgrounds. We conduct two mentoring programs. Our My Next Move program works with young men leaving residential placement, those who have been court involved, and those who are at risk of involvement. Participation in this program is voluntary. Our Plus Mentoring program takes a similar approach but specifically supports youth referred by the Department of Probation. Alongside our mentoring programs, our JustUs diversion program includes mentoring and group work that meets the unique needs of young women and LGBTQ+ youth.
Our two mentoring programs are facilitated by credible messengers, individuals who have faced similar challenges and have overcome those challenges. Our team then works to inspire and lend guidance to young people who are in a similar position. The work of the Credible Messenger provides a message of resiliency, credibility and voice that can directly connect to each youth’s inner thoughts and experiences. Our mentors help the young people we support maintain positive and appropriate relationships and provide them with support in making safe decisions.
My Next Move
My Next Move, our Credible Messenger Mentoring Program, brings mentors who have gone through the same experiences with youth and help them to see a positive path forward and provide a system of support as they move forward.
My Next Move provides participants with a safe space for discussion, a hot meal for dinner, round trip Metrocards for transportation, and gift cards for their participation. Group discussion will be facilitated through use of journaling and group processing to help young men, ages 12-18, examine their feelings, evaluate their own behaviors and develop strategies for change.
My Next Move Services include:
Group Therapy twice a week from 4:30 to 7:30 PM
Group-building activities
Fun recreational activities, group outings & Family Events
Inspirational guest speakers
One-on-One Mentoring for more intensive guidance and individualized support
Crisis Intervention & 24/7 Support for youth and family
Connections to Community Resources and Pro-social Activities
Collaboration with Probation & PPS to advocate for your family and ensure consistency in services and goals
Continuity of Services for those coming from Rising Ground placements; we are able to streamline your services since we work closely with our LSP and NSP staff
Plus Mentoring Program
Plus Mentoring brings mentors who have gone through the same experiences with youth on probation and help them to see a positive path forward and provide a system of support as they move forward.
PLUS provides participants with a safe space for discussion, a hot meal for dinner, round-trip Metrocards for transportation, and gift cards for their participation. Group discussion will be facilitated through use of journaling and group processing to help young men, ages 12-18, examine their feelings, evaluate their own behaviors and develop strategies for change.
Plus Services include:
Group Therapy twice a week from 4 to 6 PM
Group-building activities
Fun recreational activities, group outings & Family Events
Inspirational guest speakers
One-on-One Mentoring for more intensive guidance and individualized support
Crisis Intervention & 24/7 Support for youth and family
Connections to Community Resources and Pro-social Activities
Collaboration with Probation to advocate for your family and ensure consistency in services and goals
Contact us to learn more about Aftercare and participating in our mentoring programs.
When the Court refers youth to our residential programs, we give them a chance to discover the root causes of their delinquency and behavior, examine the choices they have made and acquire the tools they need to make better choices. They can start down a new path, one that leads to a productive, healthy life.
As part of New York City’s Close to Home initiative, which allows court-involved young people to be placed in residential programs closer to their families and communities, we partner with the Administration for Children’s Services to support young men and women in two Non-Secure Placement (NSP) and two Limited Secure Placement (LSP) programs in the Bronx and Brooklyn.
Based on the determination of a Family Court Judge, a youth comes to either an NSP or LSP depending on the youth’s risk level. Youth who are considered lower risk are generally placed in the NSP program, a less restrictive setting. Youth who are considered higher risk are typically placed in LSP homes, which have more security features to ensure the safety of the residents and the communities.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Finding positive paths forward
Using the Missouri Approach, a proven model to reduce recidivism, we create a supportive community of peers within our residential programs. Youth hold one another responsible for their actions, and the community of peers helps each other hone skills in making positive choices.
Youth participate in individual, family, and group therapy as well as continue their schooling. They learn how to resolve conflicts and deal with challenges while working toward their middle and high school diplomas. Through community partnership opportunities and therapeutic recreation, our youth also discover new talents and build self-esteem.
Rising Ground is committed to providing safe environments for youth in our care. To support this commitment Rising Ground has created Safe Environmental Standards to ensure its Limited Secure Placement (LSP) program. Read more here.
Our community-based respite program uses an evidence-based model to reduce recidivism for youth who would otherwise increase their involvement with the juvenile justice system. It is an effective alternative to incarceration.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Look Forward, Not Back
Everything the young people in our program do is focused on successful re-entry into the community. We help them keep in touch with the positive aspects of family by bringing parents and caregivers to see them. With a clear understanding of themselves, recidivism drops.
In our juvenile justice programs, young people gain the confidence and skills they need to rise above the challenges they face.
When the Court refers youth to our residential programs, we give them a chance to discover the root causes of their delinquency and behavior, examine the choices they have made and acquire the tools they need to make better choices. They can start down a new path, one that leads to a productive, healthy life.
As part of New York City’s Close to Home initiative, which allows court-involved young people to be placed in residential programs closer to their families and communities, we partner with the Administration for Children’s Services to support young men and women in two Non-Secure Placement (NSP) and two Limited Secure Placement (LSP) programs in the Bronx and Brooklyn.
Based on the determination of a Family Court Judge, a youth comes to either an NSP or LSP depending on the youth’s risk level. Youth who are considered lower risk are generally placed in the NSP program, a less restrictive setting. Youth who are considered higher risk are typically placed in LSP homes, which have more security features to ensure the safety of the residents and the communities.
Finding positive paths forward
Using the Missouri Approach, a proven model to reduce recidivism, we create a supportive community of peers within our residential programs. Youth hold one another responsible for their actions, and the community of peers helps each other hone skills in making positive choices.
Youth participate in individual, family, and group therapy as well as continue their schooling. They learn how to resolve conflicts and deal with challenges while working toward their middle and high school diplomas. Through community partnership opportunities and therapeutic recreation, our youth also discover new talents and build self-esteem.
Rising Ground is committed to providing safe environments for youth in our care. To support this commitment Rising Ground has created Safe Environmental Standards to ensure its Limited Secure Placement (LSP) program. Read more here.
Our community-based respite program uses an evidence-based model to reduce recidivism for youth who would otherwise increase their involvement with the juvenile justice system. It is an effective alternative to incarceration.
Look Forward, Not Back
Everything the young people in our program do is focused on successful re-entry into the community. We help them keep in touch with the positive aspects of family by bringing parents and caregivers to see them. With a clear understanding of themselves, recidivism drops.
In our juvenile justice programs, young people gain the confidence and skills they need to rise above the challenges they face.
Contact us to learn more about our Close To Home Placements
Our expanding Homeless & Runaway Youth Services offer much-needed respite and support for youth who are unhoused, facing challenges at home, and/or need a refuge. Many have experienced violence, abuse, instability, or a lack of safety or acceptance from adults or others in their lives. Our array of supports and services include Drop-in Centers, Crisis Shelters, Transitional Independent Living residences, and a Rapid Rehousing program, all of which offer a safe haven and opportunities for young people seeking to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=""]
"Safe Space" Drop-in Centers Now Open in Jamaica & Far Rockaway, Queens
SAFE SPACE JAMAICA 165-13 Jamaica Avenue
Second Floor
Jamaica, NY 11432
Phone: 718-526-2400 ext. 2080
OPEN 24 HOURS
WALK-INS WELCOME!
Ages 14 - 24
Facilities:
Full kitchen & pantry
Shower
Laundry
Clothing donations
Computer & media studio
Television & gaming area
Counseling room
Services:
Case management for runaway homeless & at-risk youth
Crisis counseling
Mental health services
Referrals for substance abuse & medical programs
Assistance with GED, educational & vocational programs, & tutoring
Assistance with medical insurance, identification, employment, & permanent housing
SAFE SPACE FAR ROCKAWAY 1600 Central Avenue
First Floor
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Phone: 646-518-1202
HOURS:
Monday-Thursday – 12 pm to 8 pm
Friday & Saturday – 11 am to 7 pm
WALK-INS WELCOME!
Ages 14 - 24
Facilities:
Cafe Lounge Hour (breakfast served 9:30 am to 11 am)
Clothing & donation rack
Television & gaming area
Computer room
Counseling room
Recording studio
Free monthly HIV/STI screenings
Services:
Case management for runaway homeless & at-risk youth
Crisis counseling
Mental health services
Referrals for substance abuse & medical programs
Assistance with GED, educational & vocational programs, & tutoring
Assistance with medical insurance, identification, employment, & permanent housing
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
A New Beginning
In the New York City area, homelessness has reached its highest levels since the Great Depression in recent years, with more than 60,000 individuals and families living without a permanent residence, including more than 20,000 children. Among those alarming statistics are a number, constantly in flux, of teenagers who have run away from or been kicked out of their homes and now find themselves living in unstable situations.
Each of these youth brings a different story. At home, they may have faced abuse, neglect, conflict, substance abuse, sexual abuse, foster care placement, or lack of acceptance for their sexual orientation or gender identification. Once they’ve left the home, youth enter a life of constant instability. Many live in shelters, cars, parks, vacant buildings, or on the streets. Some “couch surf” with friends as long as the generosity of their network will allow.
But that doesn’t have to be the case. Our Transitional Independent Living (TIL) programs provide runaway and homeless youth, ages 16-21, with the home they need and deserve. Combining educational, therapeutic, and recreational supports in a supportive residence, we provide youth the stability and guidance so they can look to the future.
Once at our TIL, youth find a supportive and nurturing environment between peers and staff where we work with them to achieve stability. Each youth has her own room as well as space for recreation and relaxation. Our Case planners work with each youth to understand the root of their circumstances and identify their needs, as well as their goals for the future.
We set in place comprehensive supports and provide resources to ensure youth can achieve improved well-being, greater educational success, and strengthened relationships, including reconnecting with family when appropriate. We help youth acquire life skills needed for independent living; career skills that will sustain independent and productive lives; and education that will support career goals. With staff on hand 24 hours a day, our program establishes schedules and routines that teach responsibility and encourage good habits – all with the ultimate goal of achieving self-sufficiency.
This goal is further achieved by the Rapid Rehousing program. This federal program not only offers housing placement, but also short-term rental assistance and supportive services. Our primary objectives are to swiftly secure stable housing, empower these individuals towards self-sufficiency, and ensure they remain housed. Importantly, this program is offered without preconditions, whether it's related to employment, income, criminal history, or sobriety.
Rising Ground’s resources and services are tailored to the unique needs of each young person, creating a customized path to a brighter future.
Our expanding Homeless & Runaway Youth Services offer much-needed respite and support for youth who are unhoused, facing challenges at home, and/or need a refuge. Many have experienced violence, abuse, instability, or a lack of safety or acceptance from adults or others in their lives. Our array of supports and services include Drop-in Centers, Crisis Shelters, Transitional Independent Living residences, and a Rapid Rehousing program, all of which offer a safe haven and opportunities for young people seeking to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
“Safe Space” Drop-in Centers Now Open in Jamaica & Far Rockaway, Queens
SAFE SPACE JAMAICA 165-13 Jamaica Avenue
Second Floor
Jamaica, NY 11432
Phone: 718-526-2400 ext. 2080
OPEN 24 HOURS
WALK-INS WELCOME!
Ages 14 – 24
Facilities:
Full kitchen & pantry
Shower
Laundry
Clothing donations
Computer & media studio
Television & gaming area
Counseling room
Services:
Case management for runaway homeless & at-risk youth
Crisis counseling
Mental health services
Referrals for substance abuse & medical programs
Assistance with GED, educational & vocational programs, & tutoring
Assistance with medical insurance, identification, employment, & permanent housing
SAFE SPACE FAR ROCKAWAY 1600 Central Avenue
First Floor
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Phone: 646-518-1202
HOURS:
Monday-Thursday – 12 pm to 8 pm
Friday & Saturday – 11 am to 7 pm
WALK-INS WELCOME!
Ages 14 – 24
Facilities:
Cafe Lounge Hour (breakfast served 9:30 am to 11 am)
Clothing & donation rack
Television & gaming area
Computer room
Counseling room
Recording studio
Free monthly HIV/STI screenings
Services:
Case management for runaway homeless & at-risk youth
Crisis counseling
Mental health services
Referrals for substance abuse & medical programs
Assistance with GED, educational & vocational programs, & tutoring
Assistance with medical insurance, identification, employment, & permanent housing
A New Beginning
In the New York City area, homelessness has reached its highest levels since the Great Depression in recent years, with more than 60,000 individuals and families living without a permanent residence, including more than 20,000 children. Among those alarming statistics are a number, constantly in flux, of teenagers who have run away from or been kicked out of their homes and now find themselves living in unstable situations.
Each of these youth brings a different story. At home, they may have faced abuse, neglect, conflict, substance abuse, sexual abuse, foster care placement, or lack of acceptance for their sexual orientation or gender identification. Once they’ve left the home, youth enter a life of constant instability. Many live in shelters, cars, parks, vacant buildings, or on the streets. Some “couch surf” with friends as long as the generosity of their network will allow.
But that doesn’t have to be the case. Our Transitional Independent Living (TIL) programs provide runaway and homeless youth, ages 16-21, with the home they need and deserve. Combining educational, therapeutic, and recreational supports in a supportive residence, we provide youth the stability and guidance so they can look to the future.
Once at our TIL, youth find a supportive and nurturing environment between peers and staff where we work with them to achieve stability. Each youth has her own room as well as space for recreation and relaxation. Our Case planners work with each youth to understand the root of their circumstances and identify their needs, as well as their goals for the future.
We set in place comprehensive supports and provide resources to ensure youth can achieve improved well-being, greater educational success, and strengthened relationships, including reconnecting with family when appropriate. We help youth acquire life skills needed for independent living; career skills that will sustain independent and productive lives; and education that will support career goals. With staff on hand 24 hours a day, our program establishes schedules and routines that teach responsibility and encourage good habits – all with the ultimate goal of achieving self-sufficiency.
This goal is further achieved by the Rapid Rehousing program. This federal program not only offers housing placement, but also short-term rental assistance and supportive services. Our primary objectives are to swiftly secure stable housing, empower these individuals towards self-sufficiency, and ensure they remain housed. Importantly, this program is offered without preconditions, whether it’s related to employment, income, criminal history, or sobriety.
Rising Ground’s resources and services are tailored to the unique needs of each young person, creating a customized path to a brighter future.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_rgd_header][vc_rgd_headline rgd-headline="Focused Support for Those Who Need It the Most"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_single_image image="1522" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text css=""]
Structure for Success
Our Residential Treatment Center, located in Yonkers, provides 24-hour residential care to youth who require intensive therapeutic and educational support. We help youth cope with mental-health challenges, emotional difficulties, developmental disabilities, and challenging behaviors and/or the trauma caused by abuse and neglect. In a therapeutic setting, residents learn effective problem solving, healthy coping skills, and adaptive behaviors. Self-esteem is enhanced as is their ability to trust others and relate positively to the world.
Our program provides structure and support to youth who have long histories of placements in psychiatric hospitals and other mental-health facilities but have not yet accomplished all the progress they wish to make. Recreational and therapeutic activities and clinical services to help each youth strengthen his/her or their ability to participate in the community and to return to a less restrictive environment as quickly as possible.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
A Home Away from Home
We create an environment that is welcoming and homelike. Youth live in cottages that provide a warm, supportive home in which to move their lives forward. Here, each youth has the ability to decorate his or her own room, participates in meal planning and has a say in the activities that residents participate in. We take the time to learn each youth’s likes, dislikes, dreams and personal goals, and we respect them.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Personalized Support and Interventions
Our approach isn’t one-size-fits-all. We develop an individual treatment plan for each youth that includes specialized therapeutic supports tailored to specific challenges and a choice of personalized activities, and after-school and weekend recreation. Each youth participates in therapy — individual and group — as well as in a behavior modification program to help them develop the tools they need to succeed.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Going Beyond the Basics
Treatment is not our only goal. We also want graduates to be good neighbors and good citizens, so we provide community service opportunities through partnerships with the Yonkers Police Department, the Food Bank for Westchester, and other community partners. To ensure academic success, we have an After-School Learning Center that focuses on preparation for the Regents exam, credit recovery and academic enrichment.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Achieving Success Beyond Our Doors
As a result of the supportive, individualized treatment they receive, many of our residents are successfully able to the return to their homes in the community, graduate from high school, and go on to job skills training and employment. Youth with mental health challenges and disabilities gain the skills needed to live as independently as possible and thrive.
Our Residential Treatment Center, located in Yonkers, provides 24-hour residential care to youth who require intensive therapeutic and educational support. We help youth cope with mental-health challenges, emotional difficulties, developmental disabilities, and challenging behaviors and/or the trauma caused by abuse and neglect. In a therapeutic setting, residents learn effective problem solving, healthy coping skills, and adaptive behaviors. Self-esteem is enhanced as is their ability to trust others and relate positively to the world.
Our program provides structure and support to youth who have long histories of placements in psychiatric hospitals and other mental-health facilities but have not yet accomplished all the progress they wish to make. Recreational and therapeutic activities and clinical services to help each youth strengthen his/her or their ability to participate in the community and to return to a less restrictive environment as quickly as possible.
A Home Away from Home
We create an environment that is welcoming and homelike. Youth live in cottages that provide a warm, supportive home in which to move their lives forward. Here, each youth has the ability to decorate his or her own room, participates in meal planning and has a say in the activities that residents participate in. We take the time to learn each youth’s likes, dislikes, dreams and personal goals, and we respect them.
Personalized Support and Interventions
Our approach isn’t one-size-fits-all. We develop an individual treatment plan for each youth that includes specialized therapeutic supports tailored to specific challenges and a choice of personalized activities, and after-school and weekend recreation. Each youth participates in therapy — individual and group — as well as in a behavior modification program to help them develop the tools they need to succeed.
Going Beyond the Basics
Treatment is not our only goal. We also want graduates to be good neighbors and good citizens, so we provide community service opportunities through partnerships with the Yonkers Police Department, the Food Bank for Westchester, and other community partners. To ensure academic success, we have an After-School Learning Center that focuses on preparation for the Regents exam, credit recovery and academic enrichment.
Achieving Success Beyond Our Doors
As a result of the supportive, individualized treatment they receive, many of our residents are successfully able to the return to their homes in the community, graduate from high school, and go on to job skills training and employment. Youth with mental health challenges and disabilities gain the skills needed to live as independently as possible and thrive.
Contact us to learn more about our Residential Treatment Center and enrolling your child
