Bismarck Programs

The Anger Management Program is a skills and education based program where youth and parents can learn alternatives to aggressive behavior.  Many adolescents have difficulty managing anger and aggression and this can impact both the adolescent and the those attempting to work with them. An adolescent’s frequent preference for using such behavior in conflict situations interferes with the positive and constructive behavior they may possess.  The purpose of anger management education and counseling is to: (1)  teach youth in high-risk situations to understand what causes them to feel angry and to act aggressively,  (2) teach techniques they can use to reduce their anger and aggression, (3) facilitate models for proper use of anger management techniques and to provide feedback to participants practicing anger reduction skills, and (4) teach parents the same techniques and to learn how to reinforce what is being taught to their children. Youthworks will be offering individual counseling and workshops for youth and parents to address the need for anger management and parent-child conflict training.

The Runaway Program provides emergency services to runaway youth & their families including crisis response, shelter, food & supplies, reunification & follow-up individual & family counseling.

Youthworks shelters provide comprehensive emergency services to runaway youth and their families, as well as, youth experiencing significant parent/child conflict and provide one-time drop-in, and crisis line services to youth who may be contemplating running away and require or seek only a minimal level of service (such as information and referral to other services providers). Full reunification services are available including individual and family counseling, anger management, mediation, mentoring, and personalized aftercare services. For both runaway and short-term care situations parents or guardians retain custody and reunification is intended to happen within 96 hours, or sooner if possible. Professional assessment is available 7 days a week Attendant Care is on-call, short term, staff secure holding of juvenile offenders who cannot or do not need to be placed in a physically secure setting and 1. cannot be immediately released to their parents 2. need to be held until a longer term placement can be arranged 3. need to be held while an investigation is being conducted 4. for whom shelter care is not appropriate due to the risk of running All authorizations for attendant care will go through various law enforcement agencies. Placing agencies have the authority to make placements for up to 24 hours. Placements of 24-48 hours may be allowed by Youthworks but require notification of the Juvenile Court.

Bismarck

• Lexi Erickson, MSW, STCAC Coordinator, 701-255-6909, lerickson@youthworksnd.org
• Sara Eastman, LMSW, Program Manager, 701-255-6909, seastman@youthworksnd.org

Youthworks is a safe place for youth to find belonging, positive adult connections, and support. Youth and families often come to us when they’re struggling and we help youth and families by working with you to set and meet your own goals. We believe each family has unique strengths. We also believe that every family needs help sometimes.

Eligibility

• Ages 10-17
• Youth not yet on probation or under custody of a Human Service Zone

Support Services

• A place for youth and families to go in crisis
• Same day meetings (M-F)
• Family Counseling
• Structured day program to support youth’s goals
• Homework Assistance
• Resources and referrals to supports in our community, as needed

Groups

• Life Skills Group
• Anger Management Family Group
• My Life My Choice exploitation prevention
• Art, music, & recreational group
• More groups added throughout the year

Bismarck

• Taylor Wiest, Youth Engagement Specialist, 701-255-6909, twiest@youthworksnd.org
• Lucas Walz, Youth Engagement Specialist, 701-255-6909, lwalz@youthworksnd.org
• Sara Eastman, LMSW, Program Manager, 701-255-6909, seastman@youthworksnd.org

A guardian is a person appointed by the court to advocate for the best interest of a child involved in Juvenile Court. The core function of a guardian is an objective examination of the child’s situation to assist the court in understanding the child’s true circumstances and needs. A guardian’s role is to ensure every child lives in a safe, healthy permanent family. Our mission statement is “to provide effective, independent advocacy in the best interest of children before the court”.

Bismarck

• Sharla Price, GAL Coordinator, 701-255-6909, sprice@youthworksnd.org
• Barb Oliger, LBSW, GAL Program Director, 701-255-6909, boliger@youthworksnd.org

Youthworks provides short-term transitional housing and support services to homeless young adults ages 18-24.

Eligibility: Available to homeless youth ages 18-24 who do not have a safe and permanent living arrangement. Housing services are available up to 18 months.

Housing: Youth who are eligible may contact Youthworks for an application. Housing is available based on a

2- to 4-week intake process and apartment vacancy. Support services are available immediately.

There is a program fee charged each month. Upon transition into permanent housing, additional financial assistance may be available.

Support Services

• Furnished apartment
• Counseling and mentoring
• Support groups
• Referrals
• Educational and employment assistance
• Independent living skills education
• Assistance with food, bedding and personal hygiene items
• Drop-in apartment support/supervision

Bismarck

• Sierra Deringer, MSW, TLP/MGH Case Manager, 701-255-6909, sderinger@youthworksnd.org
• Jay Schafer, B.S., TLP/MGH Program Lead, 701-255-6909, jschafer@youthworksnd.org
• Anita Bohner, LMSW, Program Manager, 701-255-6909, anita@youthworksnd.org

The Parenting Pathways program provides short-term transitional housing and support services to individuals who are pregnant or parenting.

Eligibility: Available to homeless pregnant or parenting young adults ages 18-24 who do not have a safe and permanent living arrangement. Housing services are available up to 18 months.

Housing: Young adults who are eligible may contact Youthworks for an application. Housing is available based on a 2 to 4 week intake process and apartment vacancy. Support services are available immediately.

There is a program fee charged each month. Upon transition into permanent housing, additional financial assistance may be available.

• Support Services
• Furnished apartment
• Counseling and mentoring
• Support groups
• Referrals
• Educational and employment assistance
• Parenting education
• Independent living skills education
• Assistance with food, bedding and personal hygiene items
• Drop-in apartment support/supervision

Goals & Expectations

• Pregnant and parenting youth are required to:
  • Learn parenting skills including:
  • Child development skills
  • Health and nutrition education
  • Family budgeting skills
  • Economic independence skills
• Attend all required meetings.
• Actively participate in recommended mental health/chemical dependency services.
• Maintain a clean, safe, drug and alcohol free living environment.
• Obtain and maintain employment.
• Follow program rules as outlined in the housing agreement.
• Pay program fees.

Bismarck

• • Sierra Deringer, MSW, TLP/MGH Case Manager, 701-255-6909, sderinger@youthworksnd.org
  • Jay Schafer, B.S., TLP/MGH Program Lead, 701-255-6909, jschafer@youthworksnd.org
  • Anita Bohner, LMSW, Program Manager, 701-255-6909, anita@youthworksnd.org

A program providing direct service and intensive case management to young survivors of human trafficking, including sex and labor trafficking. Services include individual intake/assessment, individual counseling, appropriate service referrals, transportation, and various emergency shelter and transitional housing options. This program aims to help these young survivors (through age 22) establish a safe, healthy, and secure future. Program staff are also available to provide training and community education.

Bismarck

• Ashley Willis, Anti-Trafficking & VOCA Specialist, 701-255-6909, awillis@youthworksnd.org
• Angie Harper, LBSW, Anti-Trafficking Housing Navigator, 701-255-6909, aharper@youthworksnd.org
• Alison Traynor, MSW, LMSW, MPH, Anti-Trafficking Therapist, 701-255-6909, atraynor@youthworksnd.org
• Amy Boyd-Bolme, LMSW, Program Manager, 701-255-6909, aboyd@youthworksnd.org

Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) Services offer intensive case management and comprehensive services to youth who are the victim of a crime, including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and child abuse and neglect. This program aims to help these youth survivors establish a safe, healthy, and secure future. Program staff are available to provide education, advocacy, and youth engagement with survivors.

Comprehensive services can include:

• Intake and assessment
• Basic needs assistance
• Crisis intervention
• Transportation assistance
• Systems-based advocacy
• Individual and group counseling
• Mentoring and emotional support
• Documentation assistance

Referrals and service coordination to:

• Legal services
• Medical services
• Educational support
• Specialized treatment of trauma associated with victimization

Bismarck

• Ashley Willis, Anti-Trafficking & VOCA Specialist, 701-255-6909, awillis@youthworksnd.org
• Alison Traynor, MSW, LMSW, MPH, Anti-Trafficking Therapist, 701-255-6909, atraynor@youthworksnd.org
• Amy Boyd-Bolme, LMSW, Program Manager, 701-255-6909, aboyd@youthworksnd.org