Youthworks Launches New Website
Welcome to Youthworks new website! This site is designed to give you a window into the service and work that our organization is providing for the Bismarck-Mandan, Fargo-Moorhead, and regional communities.
An Update from our Parenting Pathways Program
As part of our commitment to helping youth secure a successful future, Youthworks provides case management and transitional housing to youth and young adults who are pregnant or parenting. As a condition of participation, pregnant or parenting youth are required to learn parenting skills, including child development, family budgeting, health and nutrition and other skills promoting their economic independence. Other services provided include employment assistance, transportation, tutoring, financial assistance, career and educational planning. The parent(s) and children are able to have a safe place to stay while gathering the skills they need to be independent individuals.
One Family’s Story from Bismarck
This is one family’s story, in the mother’s own words to Youthworks:
“My name is Allisa.In October of 2008, I was homeless and pregnant.I called everywhere for help. No organization was able to help me. I finally called Youthworks because I got help from them when I was younger.I met with Anita [a social worker with Youthworks] and within two weeks I was entered into the Parenting Pathways program and had a place I could finally call home.I guess what I am trying to say is that I’m truly grateful for all the help I have received from Youthworks. Without them I might have not been able to build my life as a new mother. Youthworks gave me the tools and resources I need to accomplish my goals in life, not to mention the confidence to do so. I think every community needs an organization like Youthworks. It’s a good feeling when you get help from people that you know truly care about helping you and others, instead of just doing there ‘job.’Thanks for all your help!You guys truly rock!”
Allisa is now living on her own with her baby. She lived in our transitional living program for 21 months and continued to receive support both with counseling and case management as well as with rental assistance for four months. She is a currently working, reaching her goals, and being a proud mother of a healthy baby two-year-old boy.
One Family’s Story from Fargo*
It was only one month before the birth of their son, Jason. Kim had just turned 18 and was transitioning out of a foster home. Her parents had released their rights to her once they had found out that she was expecting a child. Dave (age 19) was couch surfing and struggling with depression. Neither Kim nor Dave were employed and had very limited options to successfully parent their expected child.
Dave was referred to Youthworks by a friend and after an assessment period, it was decided that Dave and Kim would qualify for Youthworks’ Parenting Pathways Program. The moved into the program August 2009.
It is now 18 months later, Kim is working full-time and Dave is an amazing stay-at-home dad. Jason is a healthy, happy, well-adjusted one year old. They have transitioned out of the Youthworks Parenting Pathways Apartment into their own apartment and were recently able to purchase a new (much more reliable) vehicle.
As amazing as this story is, this was no easy journey. Kim and Dave have struggled over the past 18 months. Both Kim and Dave have utilized Youthworks to work through issues related to money management, building positive parenting skills, relationship issues, and employment issues. With the support that they received, Kim and Dave were able to strengthen their relationship, gain employment skills, obtain their GEDs, gain stable housing, obtain the many items needed for their own apartment and provide a stable environment in which to raise their son.
When asked about their experience, Dave said, “We didn’t have a foundation and Youthworks helped build it. It was a great opportunity to learn and grow with people around us who actually care and enjoy their work. We were able to make mistakes and Youthworks goes above and beyond to help us learn.
Kim stated, “We have not only become a stronger family, but we know how to rely on ourselves. It’s a rewarding feeling knowing that I can care for my family.
*Names have been changed
Second Chance
The Second Chance program is a new partnership with the Division Of Juvenile Services, Heartview Foundation, and Youthworks. It is designed to give additional supports for youth reentering the community from group or correctional placements. As a part of this program, we have begun to offer a weekly social and leisure support group. Group discussions and activities are provided to meet the changing needs of this client group.