The Launch Pad
1100 California Street
Eureka, California 95501
YSB's Launch Pad is
a co-ed Transitional
Living Program for homeless and runaway youth ages 16-20. The
goal of the program is to assist young adults in making the transition
from homelessness
to self-sufficiency. Young adults reside in private or shared bedrooms
in either two or three bedroom apartments. Food and necessities are provided
by Launch Pad. YSB has a staff person on duty in the building 24-hours
a day. Residents at Launch Pad may stay for a maximum period of eighteen
months. However, a resident's length of stay is ultimately determined
by progress in the program, by compliance with program rules, and by
the quality
of interpersonal relations with others in the program.
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
Launch Pad is a strength-based program. Staff are dedicated
to forming partnerships with the residents, and supporting them in exploring
their
life goals. The staff work with the residents to create a safe environment
which is non-judgmental, allowing them to make their own informed decisions.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Each resident will receive comprehensive case management services. Residents, with assistance from staff, will have a Needs and Services Plan, which allows participants to focus their energy in order to create change in their lives. Each Needs and Services Plan will be broken into five areas of concentration: Education, Employment / Vocation, Psychological-Social, Money Management and Service Learning.
LIFE SKILLS
Residents will receive support in daily life skills such as: cooking, cleaning, employment readiness, inter-personal relationships and conflict resolution. Residents will have curfews and are expected to follow a set of program rules and expectations
PHASES OF THE PROGRAM
The program is broken into three phases, each with different expectations and responsibilities.
Phase I is the orientation phase. This is a time for the resident to look at their short-term and long-term goals and start investigating how to make them a reality.
Phase II is the working phase of the program. This allows the resident the time to put into action the goals established in Phase I, as well as master daily living skills. The length of this phase is determined by the motivation of the resident.
Phase III is the final stage of the program. During this time the resident is looking toward moving out on their own and pulling away from the program.
GROUPS
Residents will attend one group a week. This group is dedicated to improving inter-personal relationships and will be an opportunity for the residents to gain valuable information on a variety of subjects.
WHAT THE YOUTH HAVE TO SAY
“ Launch Pad opens your eyes to the real world.” Ashely, Age 16
“ Launch Pad shows me how to save money so that some day I can get my own place.” Andrea, Age 16
“ Launch Pad, to me is about having a bed to sleep in and food to eat. It was somewhere other than the streets to try to make something of my life.” Mike, Age 17
“
Launch Pad helped start me on the way to life.” Chris, Age 17
For more information, call the Launch Pad at (707) 445-1360.
