TRAILS

TRAILS (Teaching Responsibility, Accountability, Independence and Life Skills) helps boys between the ages of 16 and 21 with a mental heath or a developmental diagnosis severe enough to require residential treatment prepare for young adult life.

Mental health treatment is combined with life skills development to create the opportunity of the future as independent, successful members of the community whether or not they are able to return to the family household. Treatment includes individual and family sessions, psychotherapy groups and specialized groups including grief and loss, conflict resolution, and anger management. Treatment is individualized by each resident’s specific level of functioning through a formal life skills assessment and by partnering with the family to understand each youth’s trauma and loss.

These young adults work real jobs with real paychecks, open and manage bank accounts, write resumes, interview for jobs and complete rental applications. They also spend time learning to cook and about good nutrition; some participants even grow their own vegetables!

No matter what the challenge, mentors guide individuals to solve problems and practice emotional management themselves. Each youth develops fundamental skills like using tools, keeping a checking account, and maintaining a work schedule. Hands-on activities are encouraged, and projects are closely supervised to ensure safety by avoiding situations that may lead to counter-productive anxiety or stress.

White Cottage, home to our TRAILS program

We see dramatic improvements in self-esteem and self-care with each completed project and success. Pride and confidence grow from the positive reward of income and becomes part of each youth’s everyday functioning. Further, an identified career path is based on a resident’s capabilities so they are able to excel.

Projects and routines are open and flexible to involve families. Parents and guardians join residents on cooking nights, pitch in and work side-by-side on a project, help shop for groceries, work on budget planning, or apartment hunt with the team. This gives families the opportunity for successful interaction, and also provides the chance to see their child in a different light.

Some of these young men rarely felt a sense of belonging and purpose; TRAILS gives them a new sense of hope for the future.

If you are interested in learning more about the TRAILS program at Glade Run, contact Danielle Lilly, residential admissions coordinator at (724) 452.4453 ext. 1621.