Program Highlights
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Residential independent living program with sites in Greenfield and
Turners Falls, MA.
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Capacity to serve up
to 14 young adults, both male and female,
aged 16-21.
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Housing in furnished
1-2-bedroom clustered-site or scattered-site apartments at no cost to
the program participant.
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Comprehensive
service, transition (discharge) and aftercare planning that includes
goal-setting in the following areas: Education; Vocation/Work; Health;
Behavioral Health, Social Services and Personal Growth; Life Skills;
Community and Personal Connections; and Housing.
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Case management,
assistance in achieving service goals, and emotional support within the
context of strong, positive relationships between program participants
and Youth Workers.
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Weekly Life Skills
classes based on the PAYA curriculum, in addition to individualized,
one-on-one life skills training.
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Enrichment and
community involvement opportunities coordinated by AmeriCorps members.
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An emphasis on
fostering life-long connections between program participants and
supportive adults.
“Before
I was involved with DIAL/ SELF I had no hope. I was alone and scared…
DIAL/SELF has made my life one that I am both proud of and very happy
with.” - Judy |
The Next Step
(Aftercare)
- The program's
newly strengthened aftercare component begins even before the
participant’s entry into the program, and may continue on a voluntary
basis for up to two years after the participant’s transition out of the
program.
- Aftercare
services for current participants include a long-term (5-year) Futures
Planning process, short-term transition planning, and periodic meetings
with the program Aftercare
Coordinator.
- Post-program
Aftercare services include regular meetings with the Aftercare
Coordinator, goal-setting and case coordination, and continued
connection with DIAL/SELF through alumni events and opportunities.
A History of
Success
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DIAL/SELF has been providing residential independent living services to
youth for over 20 years.
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The
Step Program is a strength-based program that adheres to a Positive
Youth Development philosophy. Staff receive ongoing training in
Positive Youth Development principles.
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The
Step Program has strong collaborative relationships with other community
agencies and resources, including Turners Falls and Greenfield High
Schools, the Literacy Project, Greenfield Community College, the
Franklin County Career Center, and the Recover Project.
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