New Directions Youth Services

 

New Directions provides an array of services to in school and out of school at-risk youth between the ages of 14 and 21. These services include comprehensive guidance and counseling, assessment, and referral to occupational training and educational programs, as well as adult mentoring. Applicants are assessed and referred to appropriate services.

Following a youth development approach, theses services:
• Focus on a young person’s assets
• Communicate high expectations
• Provide opportunities for leadership
• Encourage a young person’s perspective
• Provide them with safe surroundings
• Connect them with caring adults
• Encourage a sense of personal identity

The In-School youth program provides services to youth attending a traditional school system at the time of application. Each youth is assigned an adult mentor and may receive:
• Tutoring
• Study skills training
• Dropout prevention strategies
• Leadership development opportunities or internships based on their individual plan

A Summer Work component of the year round program introduces younger youth to a paid work experience. The program focuses on developing skills and competencies valued in traditional work environments.

The Out-of-School youth program provides services to youth who are non-completers of the traditional school systems , or youth who have already earned a GED or diploma but still need additional assistance to enter the world of work. Each youth is assigned an adult mentor and receives services that may include:

• Math and/or reading remediation
• Alternative education referrals
• Work readiness workshops
• Field trips
• Career exploration focused on long-term job placement
• Occupational training

Participants are assessed and referred to appropriate services based on a young person’s assets, motivation and personal/employment goals. Youth career counselors encourage a young person’s perspective and input in goal setting.

For more information on Youth Services call 508- 979-1700.