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Designed for males ages 16 through 20, these
programs provide shelter, food, clothing, and case management. Both programs are voluntary and totally free
of charge, and the Transitional program is certified by the NYS Office of
Children and Family Services under the
Runaway Homeless Youth Act. The only requirements are a willingness to work on one's life,
respect the dignity and rights of others, and adherence to the guidelines of
the program. Youth are welcomed from Buffalo, Erie County, Western New York,
and beyond.
All residents work with the TFC case manager to develop
an individual service plan with short and long-term goals. With an emphasis
on Body, Mind and Spirit, most youth continue on in school,
obtain employment, or both. The Independent Living Skills and Life Steps
instruction are
hallmarks of the programs and includes the essential training techniques for
everyday living.
Each youth works closely with staff on his case management. Appropriate
referrals are made as needed to assist youth with substance abuse, mental
health, medical or other personal issues.
We use the TOUCHSTONES Framework for Youth
Development as proposed by NYS Office of Children & Family Services. As a
Runaway Homeless Youth Shelter, we excel in two of the major LIFE AREAS:
1. Economic Security
Our goal being, youth will be prepared for eventual economic
self-sufficiency, by having the skills , attitudes, and competencies to
enter college, the workforce, or other meaningful activities. Our highly
respected Independent Living Skills Program serves as the roadmap for this
goal.
2. Community
Our goal is to ensure a healthy, safe, thriving environment with adequate
housing, provided in our Transitional Independent Living Program for up to
18 months. Our home-like setting and "tough love" approach makes this a
reality.
The Touchstones framework is organized by six major life areas: Economic
Security; Physical and Emotional Health; Education; Citizenship; Family; and
Community. Each life area has a set of goals and objectives-representing
expectations about the future, and a set of indicators-reflecting the status
of children and families. The goals and objectives are integrally related to
each other and call for comprehensive strategies to address any single
aspect of children and family well-being. The indicators are presented by
life area rather than by specific objectives.
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Free Youth Counseling
Through Buffalo's Youth Bureau, counseling
is available to Buffalo youth up to the age of 21, as well as parents or
guardians involving issues with their youth. Providing her with an office
and phone at the Franciscan Center, Diane Mackey has worked with us for
years providing counseling to youth in her position with the Buffalo
Division for Youth.
New Schedule:
Diane Mackey is now available at The Franciscan Center four days a week:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm
For counseling assistance in other locations throughout the city
please call 851-5177
The goal of our programs is to afford each
youth the opportunity to mature in Body, Mind and Spirit. We
strive to assist the youth to develop healthy self-esteem, respect and
appreciation for the community and the ability to live independently and
productively. To get started, youth
should call and come in for an interview. Those
under 18 will need parent/guardian approval.
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