Patchwork, is a runaway and homeless shelter for youth ages 12+ and offers crisis support services for the WV DHHR. Patchwork is never closed, providing free and confidential services on a voluntary basis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Patchwork’s mission is to respond to the needs of youth and families in crisis and to provide youth in high-risk situations with a safe alternative to the streets.
Services include individual, group, family, telephone and walk-in counseling, as well as information concerning and referral to community agencies and other resources that may be of benefit to the youth and families in need. Emergency services such as food and clothing; advocacy; outreach; and community education are also provided.
Turning Point accepts male and female youth, ages 15 – 21 in the custody of the WV DHHR. Youth work towards independence, moving through a four phase system where they earn increased freedom with increased responsibility. Youth who “graduate” from the Turning Point program go on to college, military service, independent living, or return to a family unit.
New Connections offers its 9-week Fast TRACK program, focusing on preparing students for the TASC exam, for post-secondary transition into CTC (Community and Technical College) and 4-year colleges. Brush up on academic skills, explore careers, and participate in field trips to local post-secondary institutions. Classes run Mon-Thurs. from 9 am – 12 pm and are open to anyone in the community who is 17-24 years old.
For young adults who would like to work on the TASC at their own pace, they may wish to enroll in alternative classes offered Mon-Thurs. from 1 - 4 pm. This class is available to anyone (with or without a high school diploma) who wishes to participate in job development classes, upgrade computer skills with IC3 training, retail skills with customer service training, and learn how to write a resume and cover letter providing an upper hand in the job market!
New Connections also operates a Transitional Living program for youth who are in the custody of the state or who are homeless. Youth live in supervised apartments and are required to have jobs and work on educational goals while saving money and learning the skills needed to live on their own. Each youth has his/her own apartment and lives alone unless s/he has an infant or child. The Transitional Living Coordinator or program relief staff is on-site 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and available to youth should they need assistance.
Residents pay rent. The amount is determined based on the client’s ability to pay and the size apartment s/he is occupying. Residents are required to keep their apartments clean and learn how to cook basic nutritional meals, make budgets, manage their own time and money, comparison shop, pay their rent and bills on time, secure and maintain employment, access day care, medical care, or other services if needed. After four to six months in supervised apartments, staff help youth find their own apartments and help them set up those apartments with sheets, towels, dishes, pots and pans, etc. Staff also help the residents move and continue to provide case management and other needed services three times a week.