Our Impact and Approach

Our Social environment is one of Styles House's key factors when we have youth residing in our homes. Our youth will be provided specific factors related to the type, quality, and stability of social connections, including social participation and social cohesion when they arrive. This is done by our setting, culture and style of interaction. The following concepts must be applied to policy, protocols and every day encounters in order to shape the fabric of life within the transitional home.

Foster an environment where the goals can be met

Styles House's goal is to make sure our social environment is welcoming and safe. All staff are here to provide positive communication and to develop healthy relationships and boundaries with every young-man living at Styles House. 

The transitional home is for young men

All aspects of the Styles House will reflect the fact that the transitional home is for teenagers and all residing will be treated as young adults. The staff will embrace programs that are based on what all youth of today need to know to function independently in society. 

Based on my research and most of all experience I found that teens do best when:

• Their home is physically and emotionally safe.

• There is time to talk and conversations are comforting and engaging.

• Programs tap into cultural strengths (i.e., by discussing Afro-centric perspectives of history and community relationships).

• Mentors share meaningful experiences and are models of survival and growth.

• Education about men’s health, including male development, pregnancy, contraception, disease and prevention, and healthy sexuality is provided.

• Opportunities for positive changes are provided.

• They have a voice in program design, implementation, and evaluation.

Trauma

Our Staff will be sensitive to the likelihood that many of the youth we interact with may have experienced trauma and recognize that feelings of vulnerability come with being displaced from one's family.

Deal with anger and intense emotions

My experience along with research demonstrates that most programs for teens must be able to deal constructively with anger. Effective programs must recognize that anger and the expression of intense emotion is normal for teenagers who are facing a great deal of change in their lives.

Relationship-based method for managing behavior

When it comes to managing behavior there is no one method that works. Our staff will start with using a relation-ship based method for managing behavior that emphasizes communication. 

Restraints and other aggressive behavior management strategies will not be allowed at Styles House. Our staff have specialized training on handling crisis and conflict.

Disclosures

Styles Houses staff will provide classes and training that educates our youth on topics such as date rape, rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse and domestic violence in a manner that respects and supports the experiences and feelings of these young men so they know how to handle themselves in these kinds of situation.

Respect and relationships

Style House believes all youth develop trust by interacting with people whom will always treat them with respect and empathy. Styles house will have the feel of a home and not an institution.

Décor and physical space

The décor and physical space should be comfortable and appeal to the youth of today. 

Our Model

Our staff will ensure opportunities for community life as well as privacy and time alone. The Styles House will operate with a “house parent” model that will provide a warm, caring ‘home like’ atmosphere. The staff will involve the teens in daily living activities including cooking, grocery shopping, and others.

The teens will be offered opportunities individually and in-groups to express and discuss their feelings, to talk about their concerns and identify their goals. The staff will also provide opportunities for creative expression, recreation, relaxation and fun.