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The LOFT
Not every young homeless person who comes to Larkin Street Youth Services
has the option of going back home. If reunion with family is possible
for underage youth, LSYS is happy to facilitate that. But when it’s
not, kids between the ages of 15 and 17 can make their home at The LOFT.
Larkin Opportunities for Transition (The LOFT) is a 9-bed transitional living facility designed specifically for teenagers on the street. It is a stable home for as long as they need it while they are doing all the things kids their age should be: completing their education, making new friends, and preparing for adulthood. The kids served at the LOFT have similar histories as the general population of clients at Larkin Street. A majority of the young people have experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, and extreme neglect. Many struggle with substance abuse issues and have special mental health care needs. They are often impacted by street violence occurring in their old neighborhoods and affecting their friends and families. The LOFT is different from the other group homes and foster homes where many kids of this age end up. The program uses a system of natural rewards and consequences in response to the young people’s choices. The system reinforces behavior that leads to progress toward the individual goals set by the kids themselves with assistance from program staff. The LOFT emulates the sort of structure that families use with their own teens. There are curfews, chores, and other expectations. Kids receive privileges for behaving responsibly, and limitations (somewhat like being grounded) for breaking the rules. This method provides youth with the opportunity to be accountable and trustworthy. All residents at the LOFT develop educational goals. They each attend some sort of daily school or educational program. They also engage in intensive job training, career readiness activities, and interest-based activities such as photography classes or school sports. These experiences help them to develop the life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and managing conflicts with roommates, which they need to become self-sufficient after they move on from The LOFT. Also, like clients of all LSYS programs, LOFT residents participate in case management, access health and mental health care, find opportunities to socialize with peers who understand their past experiences, and receive mentoring and support from caring adult role models. When families are unable to provide the support the kids need, The LOFT is there to bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood for our most vulnerable youth. |
