Program Description

Crossroads is a voluntary transitional living program for young people who are unable to live at home. Youth live in a 24-hour supervised group home. The goal of the program is to help youth prepare for independent and self-sufficient living. Services offered during the program include shelter, independent living skills, counseling, case management, employment search, tutoring, health care, and residential assistance. After graduating from Crossroads, participants have access to a variety of services including advocacy, employment and educational assistance, case management, crisis intervention, rental assistance, and emotional support and guidance. All services are free.

Uniqueness

• Crossroads operates under the principal that participants must "actively participate in their own rescue."
• Participants come to Crossroads voluntarily (not by court order).
• Crossroads presents participants with a highly structured environment filled with rules, all of which they are obligated to follow.
• Through mandatory community service, participants learn to "give-back" to the community for the help they are receiving.
• Participants in Crossroads also agree to:
  • abstain from alcohol and other drugs and submit to unannounced and random drug testing,
  • pose no physical threat to themselves or others,
  • be motivated to work towards independent living and self-sufficiency.

Typical Client's Profile

• Youth age 16-21.
• Home may be an abusive environment.
• Parent(s) may not want the youth at home.
• Parent(s) may be unable to care for the youth.