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Fargo Programs

Youth and Family Services (youth under 18)

Anger Management

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.

Contacts

Fargo

Short-Term Care and Assessment Center

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.

Contacts

Fargo

Runaway Program

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

Contacts

Fargo

Guardian ad Litem Program

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”.

Contacts

Fargo

Beyond the Game

The Beyond the Game (BTG) program is a multifaceted program sponsored by Youthworks for youth ages 11-18 and in grades 6-12 who may be dealing with issues of single parenting, low socio-economic status, social justice issues, motivational issues, identity needs, and youth who may have difficulty in group situations.

The program focuses on helping youth improve their Athletic Performance, Health and Wellness, and Youth Advocacy and Development.

Athletic Performance Training along with sport-specific training in basketball, boxing, and other sports helps youth gain skills and confidence.  A travel AAU basketball team is also a complementary component where youth have an opportunity to showcase their skills and challenge themselves with competition.

Health and Wellness is provided with monthly seminars and access to trainers, coaches, social workers, mentors, and community leaders.

Youth advocacy and development is provided with pro-social skills coaching and community engagement.  Youth are given opportunities to serve their community, address their interpersonal issues, and advocate for the community they live in.

Contacts

Fargo

Cultural Programming

Ogimaa Youth Initiative

The mission of the Ogimaa Youth Initiative is to unite indigenous youth to embrace their culture, promote self-empowerment, and enhance leadership kills.

Ogimaa Youth Initiative introduces positive peer connection, community events, pro-social activities, elders, & cultural teaching to indigenous youth in the community at no cost.

Eligibility

  • Middle & High school-aged youth (11-18)
  • Enrolled or descendant from federally recognized tribes or identify as indigenous.

Support Services

  • Transportation
  • Meals provided
  • Referrals & recommendations to other services
  • Pro-social activities

Contacts

Fargo – Ogimaa Youth Initiative

School based programming (Middle and Senior High)

Bridges

Youthworks Bridges program (formally known as Out-of-School Suspension) provides meaningful activities and supervision for students suspended from school to help them avoid negative behavior and to teach them the value of service to others. The program was designed in consultation with local schools and consists of assessment/counseling, homework assistance, and community service.   Schools, under certain circumstances, may shorten the suspension upon successful completion of community service, homework and/or progress in addressing issues which resulted in the suspension. The program is offered throughout the school year during the day.   Parental consent is required and releases of information must be signed.  The program is for students enrolled in Bismarck/Mandan schools and Fargo schools.  Referrals are typically made by the schools. Parents must participate in an intake along with the youth and should call Youthworks the day of the suspension to schedule an appointment.

Community Service:   Community service is completed either at Youthworks or various local sites.  Youthworks will provide the transportation to the site.  Parents are responsible for transportation following community service.  Community service will be completed in the afternoons on the days the program runs.

Homework Assistance and Supervision:  Youthworks will obtain homework assignments to be completed during the suspension and provide homework assistance to ensure that the assignments are completed.

Assessment, Problem Solving, Counseling & Referral:    Youthworks’ professional staff have extensive experience working with all types of at-risk youth.

Contacts

Fargo

At risk (13 - 21)

Street Outreach/Drop In Services

The Street Outreach program targets various community locations by reaching out to youth who have runaway, are homeless and those
at-risk.

The program provides immediate harm reduction supplies. Youth are given information regarding available housing services. Immediate referrals to emergency housing is available.

The goal is to reduce the risks associated with sexual exploitation, abuse and problem behaviors.

Youthworks offers drop-in hours for local in-need youth and young adults ages 15-22 to access our food pantry, clothes closet, personal hygiene items, and household goods. Youthworks’ staff will be available to help youth and young adults pick out what they need and discuss further services that might benefit them.

Hours:
Tuesday: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

No appointment needed!

  • Confidential Services
  • 24/7 Crisis Phone Line
  • Information & Referral
  • Counseling
  • Youth Shelter
  • Transitional Housing
  • Runaway Prevention
  • Essential Supplies
  • Bus Tokens
  • Safer Sex Packs
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Household Items
  • Hygiene Items
  • Bus Passes
  • Winter Gear
  • Blankets
  • Laundry

Contacts

Fargo

Homeless (18 - 21)

Transitional Living

Youthworks provides short-term transitional housing and support services to homeless young adults ages 18-21.

Eligibility: Available to homeless youth ages 18-21 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

Contacts

Fargo

Parenting Pathways

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 18-21 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.

Contacts

Fargo

Youth 13 - 24

Anti-Human Trafficking

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.

Contacts

Fargo

VOCA

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

Contacts

Fargo

Contact Us

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Fargo Staff

Assistant Executive Director

Mark Heinert, LBSW

GAL Program Director

Barb Oliger, LBSW

Anti-Trafficking Program Manager

Amy Boyd-Bolme, LMSW

Program Manager

Thomas Cook, M.S.

Program Manager

Matthew Benson-Tuff, B.S.

Program Manager

Nichole Gubbels, LBSW

GAL Coordinator & Site Supervisor

Meg Morley, J.D.

STCAC Clinical Therapist

Nya Chakin

STCAC Facilitator

Cierra Trosen

Street Outreach Program Lead

Casey Bjerk, A.A.

Bridges Program Lead

Peggy Goodman, LMSW

Ogimaa Youth Initiative/Street Outreach

Matt Johnson, B.S.

Educational Liason

Kassie Cook, B.S.

Educational Liason

KyAnna Halmrast

Anti-Trafficking Specialist

Karlee Liddle, B.S.

Anti-Trafficking Specialist

Sadie Sheppard, B.A.

VOCA Specialist

Taylor Werner

Anti-Trafficking Housing Navigator

Chelsy LaFriniere

Youth Engagement Specialist

Karee Amiot

TLP/MGH Case Manager

Jake King

TLP/MGH Case Manager

Kenzie Jacques

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