Our Process

Intake and assesment

Upon entry into the Gaining Ground Youth Services program each youth and young adult will complete the application process. Once the application is complete they will meet with a guidance and support leader for an evaluation. We will evaluate strengths, weaknesses and areas of concern that will be addressed to help the individual better deal with various situations they will face in their life. Upon entry into the program rules and regulations will be discussed, in detail, so they will know what is expected of them while in our program and what they can expect from us. These young individuals will learn how to effectively communicate and maintain a positive attitude when dealing with anger issues during difficult times out in the general public.

Guidance and support sessions

Gaining Ground Youth Services staff leader(s) will meet with individuals and groups for guidance and support sessions to help them speak out and express their feelings on negative encounters in their daily lives.  They must learn to trust their support leader(s) so they can communicate their problems, fears and learn how to trust and overcome these obstacles as they progress through the program.  The Staff Leader(s) will be available to assist these students in dealing with disappointments and anger issues. If situations fall into an area that need intense counseling, referrals will be made to other agencies that will help attend to their needs.

educational program

All troubled/at-risk youths of school age must attend a local public school as mandated by state law.  Educating our students is a positive move towards preventing juvenile crime and without early intervention these young at-risk youths will become part of the already overcrowded State Juvenile Detention System.

Our young at-risk youths will have after school tutoring available to prevent falling behind in completing required assignments and help to increase their academic performances. Our dedicated and selected staff will work to encourage and guide these young at-risk youths to complete their education and learn responsible decision making that will help keep them from entering or returning to the Juvenile Court System.

Youths (18 years +) will complete their GED requirements with a qualified staff person. Once the student completes their GED requirements and tests, they are closer to achieving their independence through education, employment and becoming productive citizens.

job placement and tracking

Job readiness programs will be planned for our at-risk teens (16-17 years old) helping them to obtain their work permit and finding referral/resources to meaningful employment. Young adults (18-24 years old) will attend training sessions including guidance, support sessions to prepare for joining the workforce, mentoring, managing anger issues, positive life skills training, resume preparations, job search, interview sessions, and how to properly dress for success.

Program workers will have worked with various prospective employers to set up interviews that could possibly lead to employment. These young adults will have acquired the necessary tools to give them the confidence and self-esteem to make that important step into the work force and to secure the right job to grow and excel in their work environment.

Each of our at-risk youth and young adults that enter our program and those that have found employment through our program will be tracked and documented for a 12-month period.  Documentation will be done on each individual to monitor their progress and to intervene on issues or recommendations between employee and employer to help continue that important job relationship. Our staff will maintain contact with each at-risk youth and young adult every three to six months. There will be a final 12 month tracking to note their progress or if they need additional assistance from our program.

Gaining Ground Youth Services staff will monitor each person to help them adjust or re-adjust into the work world and society and to guide them on how to help future young participants going through the same program.