An Entry Level Transitional Living Program (TLP)
Dormitory Style Living
Life Works is a 22-bed Transitional Living Program serving young men and women ages 16-20. Through a structured residential environment, Life Works provides comprehensive youth development opportunities and supportive housing services designed to help residents achieve placement stabilization, engage in therapeutic services, and begin building the skills and confidence to prepare for a successful transition to independent adulthood.
The program combines safe housing with individualized support, life skills education, academic assessment & support, and job readiness, and therapeutic services. Residents are encouraged to take an active role in planning their futures while developing the personal responsibility and practical skills necessary for long-term success.
Preparing Youth for Independence
A cornerstone of the program is CCYA's Life Skills for Healthy Living curriculum, which prepares youth for independent living through practical instruction and real-world application in the following areas:
- Career Planning
- Work Life
- Work and Study Skills
- Housing and Money Management
- Home Life
- Communication
- Social Relationships
- Self-Care
- Daily Living Skills
Youth Development Opportunities
Residents participate in a wide variety of activities that encourage personal growth, leadership, community engagement, and healthy relationships, including:
- Collaborative Problem Solving
- Mentoring and positive youth development programs
- Community outings and cultural experiences
- School athletics and extracurricular activities
- Music lessons and creative arts opportunities
- Farm-to-Table gardening and cooking classes
- Spiritual and faith-based opportunities
- Holiday and cultural celebrations
- SAT and ACT preparation classes
- Driver education opportunities
- Social outings, recreational activities and field trips
Supportive Housing Services
Life Works residents receive individualized services designed to support their physical, emotional, educational, and behavioral well-being, including:
- Safe & Stable Housing
- Clothing & Personal Care Items
- Individualized Service Plans
- Case management and care coordination
- Nutritious meal services
- Preventive and ongoing medical and dental care
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Innovative therapeutic services using virtual reality technology, sound bowl meditation, Panda Drumming, animal assisted therapy, and Culinary Arts Assisted Therapy
- Life Skills Education and independent living preparation
- Academic support, Title I Tutoring
- Educational advocacy
- GED Homeschool Instruction and Test Prep
- Employment readiness, job placement, and workforce training assistance
- Post-Secondary Education & Career Counselling & Support
- Transportation Assistance
At Life Works, young people gain more than housing—they gain stability as well as the knowledge, experiences, and support systems necessary to become confident, capable, and self-sufficient adults prepared to thrive in their communities.
Progressing in the Life Works Program makes residents eligible for the Rise Up Academy and Studios programs.
For more information, please contact Jamie Hartley, Life Works Program Director, at 770-333-9447 ext. 113 or jhartley@ccyakids.org.
