The Recovery Center Youth Work Program

Peer support organizations such as Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. use peer mentors who are recovering from mental illnesses to support and guide others through recovery. The benefit of peer support is that peers are uniquely qualified based upon their own experiences and dedication to the cause of recovery. The recovery center utilizes the Person-Centered Approach, focusing on the individual's strengths and their interests, rather than on a diagnosis.

WHAT WE DO:
Youths will be referred to the program by Cattaraugus County agenies, and an individualized plan will be developed for each individual. From here, Recovery Guides who are within the same age range as the participants, will work one-on-one with individuals to discover their own passions in life as related to employment. These passions will point the youth in the right direction of their potential employers.
Youths will participate in work related activities in the community offered by a variety of agencies as well as attend learning groups held by Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. where they will learn self advocacy skills.
The Youth Work Program will conduct career clubs and peer led support groups for youths seeking and struggling to find employment. Coupled with traditional job coaching services, this program provides unique assistance to aid youths. Youths will be given assistance in resume writing, job interview skills, as well as college admissions, and GED assistance.