They have been diagnosed as bi-polar or ADHD. They have schizo-affective or reactive attachment disorder. And they are 12 to 16 years old.
All of the 99 youth involved in
Lighthouse Youth Services Work Appreciation for Youth (WAY) program have diagnoses that qualify them for mental health services. Many live in either foster or group homes. Many have been kicked out of traditional schools.
The WAY program, a non-traditional effort to provide stability and critical life skills for young clients, launched five years ago, says program director Shannon Kiniyalocts. "Some of it is just advocating for the client," she says. "Some of it is communication skills, problem-solving and decision-making skills."
Young WAY participants' case managers are called "life coaches." They meet at home and in communities, not mental health facilities. Teens learn how to choose the right Metro route to get where they need to go. They learn how to prepare for a job interview.
The five-step program, adapted from a model in
New York City's Children's Village, focuses on keeping some of Hamilton County's most challenging youth in environments where they can develop lasting relationships. Life coaches can stay with participants up to three years through five phases of accomplishments.
"We provide services and skill-building activities to assist them in breaking down mental health barriers," says Kiniyalocts.
Whether it's learning how to navigate public transportation, how to prepare for a job interview or how to manage medications, WAY includes practical lessons in responsibility and independence. Kiniyalocts notes that youth in the program may never have had a relationship with an adult that lasted three full years.
As youth move through the program, they begin to complete monthly community service projects and have opportunities to practice new skills. They earn nominal salaries for completing chores, open their own bank accounts (with Lighthouse support) and then gain experience with bigger jobs within the program.
Advanced participants create art at
Essex Studios in Walnut Hills two to three times a week. They learn about photography and Photoshop, painting and drawing. Tasks range from creating art for note cards to baking dog biscuits. In spring, they oversee a garden plot in Northside, sell their harvest and take home leftovers. They sell their garden products, along with their other creations, at
Northside and
Findlay markets.
"They are generally the ones selling to the community members," says Kiniyalocts.
Interacting with the public, as well as seeing the impact and popularity of their work, goes a long way toward building self-esteem and creating a sense of hope and possibility for bright, productive futures.
Do Good:
• Write a letter to your friend. Use
WAY artist note cards to share news about your world.
• Give your dog a treat. Bags of WAGS start at just $1.50.
Email to reserve your treats.
• Clean your closet. Lighthouse Youth Services has a
never-ending wish list, including furniture, household items and much more.
For Good News Editor: Elissa Yancey (Sonnenberg)
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