The Center operates 3 shelter programs which include Open Gate serving girls ages 12–17 and Another Chance serving boys ages 13 to 17. The third program operated by The Center is a transitional living program, Life Works (formerly Turning Point), for older adolescents ages 17–21.  With Northside Psychological Services on–site, the Center offers individual, group, and family therapy as well as crisis counseling for all residents in all programs.

Over the years, our fundamental goals have remained the same: (1) To provide shelter, food and clothing for homeless children in need; and (2) To provide for the education, health, and wellbeing of these children while helping them to achieve a permanent home placement OR, where no placement is available, transition them successfully to independence.

However, under the direction of our new CEO, who came to The Center in January of 2010, the way and manner in which we achieve these goals have somewhat changed.  Specifically, we are now:

Ø Restructuring staffing and programs to increase professional expertise and knowledge and expand life skills education beyond our Life Works Independent Living Program (formerly Turning Point) to include our teen boys home (Another Chance) and our teen girls home (Open Gate) for youth ages 14+;

Ø Implementing a new agency philosophy that centers around a more youth driven dormitory model in which residents participate in dorm governance, planning activities, and explore individual interests and hobbies; and

Ø Creating real life hands-on experiential programs that teach, equip and motivate youth with the skills, attitudes and rewards to succeed independently.  Experiential programs are progressive activities that mock real life scenarios and span time periods of weeks or months, not just 1-2 hour workshops or classes.

The Center for Children & Young Adults is seeking to change the landscape of congregate foster care by providing more than just supervision and watchful oversight to youth in our care.  We are working closely with the Department of Family and Children Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, family members of youth in our care, and other community partners to build stronger futures for foster youth in our community.