The core purpose of NYEP’s CLP is to assist homeless older teens in becoming independent, self sufficient community contributors. The CLP is a supportive transitional housing program for older youth that is based out of a home that has 5 bedrooms + 2 1/2 bathrooms located in a Northwest Reno residential area. The nearest bus line is less than 2 blocks away from the house, within walking distance. It is capable of housing up to six residents. There is a common (living) room, clothing closet, computer area, study room and office located at the facility which gives residents handy access to staff members.
At the CLP, staff teach residents how to meet expectations and needs through being pushed daily to meet obligations and responsibilities. We avoid the band-aid approach and favor an empowerment approach where young people learn the skills necessary to eventually problem solve on their own. The CLP teaches residents how to set goals, attend and participate in meetings, use agendas to guide discussions, the importance of a medial home and proper use of resources. NYEP, through its volunteer partnerships, can provide specialized high school/GED/college tutoring to CLP residents to help ensure success.
Each resident is provided with a bedroom, which they may share with another resident or residents. They are provided with housing, food, case management and self sufficiency training and support through daily adult guidance.
The house has a deadbolt lock with keypad entry. New residents have a 6pm curfew, however after 30 days in the program the resident may be eligible for a later curfew. The initial curfew is intended to help NYEP resident build buy-in to the program. Having them home by 6pm allows the resident to participate in scheduled evening activities and begin to grow the sense that they belong.
The residents must use a sign-in/out log, located by the front door, whenever they leave the facility. This lets us know their whereabouts at all times as well as instilling in them a sense of accountability. The house is hard wired with fire alarms and equipped with a fire plan. An exit strategy, in case of emergency, is posted in 2 hallways in the house. A fire drill is rehearsed monthly.
NYEP also has a civic engagement and an employment series that is delivered to each CLP resident. The series includes making contact with an opportunity, writing a resume, understanding a job description and expectations, job searching, interview role playing and receiving supervisor feedback. NYEP also assists resident students in identifying and acquiring college funds.
Mental health behavioral services are available to those residents suffering from an Axis I diagnosis. These services are provided by Qualified Mental Health Aides and Qualified Behavioral Aides who are given training, support and over site by a Qualified Mental Health Professional, who is a licensed psychologist.
Youth served by the CLP will be prepared to realize 4 mile stones for success:
- Completing education and/or training.
- Increasing skills and income level, in most cases leading to economic self sufficiency through employment.
- Obtaining and remaining in permanent housing; and
- Greater self determination, including personal decision making and behavioral skills that will enable residents to avoid future homelessness, unplanned pregnancy and negative involvement with the criminal justice system.
Population Served by the CLP:
Homeless Teen Girls, 17-21 years old, from Northern Nevada
Services offered or coordinated by the CLP:
- Programs uniquely tailored to meet the needs of older youth transitioning to adulthood.
- Life skills training to support self sufficiency and independent living.
- Group therapy; building strength of personal identity, healthy coping mechanisms, problem solving skills and action plans.
- Employability development and placement with potential career development to enhance self-esteem and develop job readiness skills.
- Educational advocacy and support including tutoring, college preparation and scholarship application assistance.
- Structured and monitored volunteer opportunities within the community, as well as the support necessary to get the most of the experience.
- Specialized training on how to live and work cooperatively with others.
- Case management, referral and coordination assistance to access other necessary services and benefits.
- Recreation and constructive use of leisure time.
- 9-18 months
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