The Independent Living Program is a natural progression for The Omaha Home for Boys. Our experience in bringing at-risk youth to the threshold of adulthood uniquely qualifies us to help young people who have problems making the transition into self-sufficient adults.

The key to the program is the Independent Living Plan, a written expression of the young adult’s ability to focus on independent living as the goal of treatment. Participants reside in an apartment complex close to the Home.

For more information on the Independent Living Program contact Darryl Summers.

• Successful transition from residential care into the community
• Successful completion of G.E.D., if high school diploma is not already received prior to admission
• Sustained employment, including the following:

Development and demonstration of skills to gain and retain employment
Development and demonstration of vocational skill
Adequacy of salary to support independence

• Identify, develop, and maintain a community support system
• Development and demonstration of basic independent living skills and sound judgment

Eligibility for Admissions

• Male or female, age 17-21 at time of admission, unmarried.
• Willing to enter into an Independent Living Plan
• Has graduated from high school or is willing to complete G.E.D.
• Lacking family support system or has aged out of residential care program.

• Youth who want to be self sufficient

• Youth do not need to be referred ... they can apply for themselves

• State Wards / Former Wards

• Parental permission needed for youth under 19

Young Adults Who May Not Be Appropriate

• Those in need of 24-hour awake staff supervision.
• Those incapable of benefiting from the cognitive approach of the program.
• Those in need of a chemical dependency program.

• Severe developmental disabilities

Getting Started

Interested individuals must:

• Attend informal session regarding Independent Living Program.

• Complete an Independent Living Admissions Packet.

• Tour the Jacobs’ Place campus.

• Complete an Omaha Home for Boys psychological evaluation.

• Interview with Omaha Home for Boys staff.

• The selected individuals will be notified by a phone call and an acceptance packet.

To reserve your place for an Independent Living Informational Session contact us at 402/457-7195 or e-mail darryls@omahahomeforboys.org.

Click here to learn more about the Independent Living Program Overview.

Admissions Process

The Independent Living Program of The Omaha Home for Boys considers young adults of any race, religion, or socioeconomic background for admission. Application information is submitted for review by the Admissions Coordinator. Approved applications are then forwarded to an Admissions Committee for final disposition.

Application information includes the following:

• Social history, including out-of-home placement information
• Psychological evaluation
• School information
• Criminal history
• Employment history
• Medical history
• Vocational assessment
• Any evaluations, progress reports and discharge summaries from hospitals, courts, and social service agencies.

Criteria for Discharge

• Successful transition into the community
• Identification of alternate support system to help complete independence
• Inability to implement the Independent Living Plan
• Behavior disruptive to the program