Throughout my career providing residential services for adults and children, one of my primary standards has consistently been, “would I want my own child or family member cared for in this program?” There is a level of trust parents and others have to have in us, and we are committed to doing our best not to let them down. I consider it a privilege to be given the responsibility to care for someone else’s child and therefore take my job and the effectiveness of our program quite seriously.
A brief description of our program would begin with the unconditional positive regard we have for all of the children we support. It always amazes me how positive and welcoming our staff is when a new student arrives. We begin our journey with them with this first positive step in building a strong and effective relationship. We want families to feel welcome and comfortable. We want to ease the transition for all involved as best we can.
Our program focuses on teaching life skills, building character and appropriate behavior all the time, all the time. We role model and teach social skills including manners, citizenship, trustworthiness, caring, responsibility, and respect. We teach students everything from tying their shoes to balancing a checkbook. We teach them how to cook and shop, do laundry and clean. We role model and teach problem solving skills. We practice conflict resolution all the time, all the time. We expect appropriate behavior and after months or sometimes years of hard work, we see it happen. We see anger and rage turn into words. We see fear and anxiety turn into trust. We see sadness and loneliness turn into laughter and friendship. We see change; we feel the change and celebrate the social and emotional growth of each student each and every time.
We look forward to welcoming your child into our program.
Kathleen Vaill
Milieu Director