In New York City, thousands of teenagers who have run away from or been kicked out of their homes find themselves living in unstable situations. 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 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.
Our Transitional Independent Living (TIL) residences 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, where they have their own room and space for recreation and relaxation, youth find a supportive and nurturing environment. Our case planners work with each young person 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.
Rising Ground also operates Crisis Shelters, providing emergency shelter and crisis intervention services for young people between the ages of 16 and 20 or between the ages of 21 through 24. These voluntary, short-term residential programs provide emergency shelter and crisis intervention services aimed at reuniting youth with their families or, if family reunification is not possible, arranging transitional and long-term placements.