Northwest Youth Services

1. Northwest Youth Services Jaemee Galang

2. NWYS Location(http://www.nwys.org/) • Whatcom Office 1020 North State Street Bellingham, WA 98225 • Skagit Office 1111 Cleveland Ave Suite #102 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

3. Mission & Vision • Mission: “Northwest Youth Services keeps youth safe, heals family relationships, reconnects youth to the community and promotes self-reliance” • Vision: “Northwest Youth Services envision a society that values its children and youth while promoting their healthy development”

4. NWYS Purpose Philosophy of Service • We believe that all children and youth deserve a safe nurturing environment. • We believe that adolescence is an important time of transition, and that youth need and deserve compassion, encouragement, and support. • We believe that children and youth should be recognized and valued as a vital part of our community. • We believe change is needed within society to create a safe and healthy environment for children and youth. Core Values • Youth Centered – We put the needs of children and youth first. • Potential for Change – We believe in the potential for all people to grow and change, and provide opportunities and tools to facilitate that process. • Advocacy – We advocate for the interests of children and youth within their families and communities. • Empowerment – We honor the unique process of each individual and family to meet their challenges and make their own choices for creating health and well being. • Family Oriented – We understand that each individual exists within the context of a family, and we work holistically to foster healthy relationships. • Strength-based Approach – We meet people “where they’re at”, listen with compassion, honor differences, and build on strengths. • Diversity – We believe that all individuals are important and deserve quality services, and we strive to provide an environment that truly embraces diversity and differences. • Innovative – We look for innovative solutions and take initiative to provide and promote quality services.

5. Agency Size • Staffing: Bellingham (8) and Mount Vernon (3) • Clients: Bellingham (18-40) and Mount Vernon (10-18) • Programs: HUSLY, Transitional Living Program, Supportive Housing Program, Queer Youth Program, and Teen Court

6. Skagit County Branch • Transitional Living Program (TLP) is an independent living program for homeless single or parenting individuals in Skagit County. NWYS provides homeless youth with an apartment, case management, life skills classes, and supportive services. To be eligible for this program you must be between the ages of 18 and 21 (16 or 17 if emancipated) and homeless. While in the program you must be willing to work towards obtaining a monthly income (employment, GAU/GAX, TANF, etc.) and save 30% of that income once obtained. In addition, participants are required to work with a case manager to set long and short term goals, complete a mental health assessment, and supply $150 for a cleaning deposit ($75 of which is non-refundable). Participants can stay in this housing for up to 18 months. Contact Amy O’Connor at 360-336-1988 or e-mail amyo@nwys.org for more information. • Supportive Housing Program is a program for homeless single or parenting individuals in Skagit County. NWYS assists homeless youth in finding an affordable place to live while providing case management, supportive services, and short term rental assistance. To be eligible for this program you must be between the ages of 18 and 22 (16 or 17 if emancipated) and homeless. Participants must have verifiable income (Employment, GAU/GAX, TANF, etc.) and pay rent when required by property management. In this program you are also required to work with a case manager on developing individual short and long term goals and follow the lease requirements and rules. Contact Jeff Skelton at 360-336-1988  or e-mail jeffs@nwys.org for more information.

7. Summer Internship Learning Objective 1: I want to describe and refer clients to community resources for the housing program • Activity A: Shadow field supervisor interviewing clients for a follow-up session for a referral. • Activity B: Distinguish different referral forms and follow-up phone calls with clients Learning Objective 2:Describe and demonstrate how to interview clients to determine eligibility for housing program. • Activity A: Acknowledge and identify the client’s needs with the Housing Stability Plan and goal forms. • Activity B: Attend an intake process interview with new client. Responsibilities: • Assist Case Manager with management of program participants. This will include writing case logs, attending CM meetings, building master plan and goal sheets, and referring youth to community resources. • Assist Program Coordinator with intake process • Attend Community Meetings • Work with CM and Clients on creating housing plans and searching for affordable housing. • Some occasional office work, which would include filing and copying. • Set up and schedule life skills classes for program participants

8. What are you most excited about? Share the aspects of this placement that you are excited about, motivated by, or eager to experience. What are the positive aspects you anticipate? • Concerns/Worries? Share the aspects of this placement that you are currently anticipating with some level of anxiety, concern, insecurity, or less than positive emotion.