Omaha Home for Boys

A Mission of Transition

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.

Goals of the Independent Living Program

• Successful transition 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 17-22 at time of admission, unmarried
• Willing to enter into an Independent Living Plan
• High School graduate or willing to complete G.E.D.
• Lacking family support system or has aged out of residential care program
• Young adults who want to be self sufficient
• Youth adults do not need to be referred ... they can apply for themselves
• Parental permission required for youth under 19
• State Wards / Former Wards

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

To reserve your place for an Independent Living Informational Session contact us at 402.558.0366 or e-mail darryls@omahahomeforboys.org.

Independent Living Program Overview

Programming Schedule

The Independent Living Program serves 16 youth per session.  Each training cycle lasts 12 weeks, for a total of 15 months.  The cycles are scheduled to begin the first week of the start month.  The program start months are:

• February
• June
• October

Level Highlights

Orientation is the introduction to the program staff and the requirements needed to succeed in the program.  Dress code, program rules, expectations, and other subjects are covered with participants, parents, and caseworkers.  Full participation by all parties is fully expected.

Level One is the most structured level of the program.  The focus is on vocational and life skill training. Each resident, and their roommate, live in an apartment at Jacobs’ Place.  The dress code is strictly enforced along with programming rules and policies.  There is a duty to complete 30 hours of community service.  Group outings are scheduled for relaxation and to stimulate personal growth.  The hours of programming are 8:15 a.m. -10 p.m. Monday-Friday.  Saturday and Sunday are open days with residents returning to campus by 11 p.m.  Level One is 6 weeks in length.

Level Two begins upon successful completion of Level One.  The focus is on job search and employment.  Once the resident has put their skills to use and has received gainful employment, the youth begins to save for independent living.  Level Two is 6 weeks in length.

Level Three reflects a transition from a Jacob's Place apartment to an individual apartment in the Omaha community.  The residents abide by apartment housing rules set by the Independent Living Program and the apartment manager.  After one year of successful independence the resident completes the program.

Education

Omaha Home for Boys is dedicated to education. Residents are encouraged to further their education and scholarships are made available.

Expectations

The Independent Living Program has high expectations for the residents.  All residents must have a desire to enter and complete the program.  Residents should enter the program with a willingness to achieve and succeed.

Discharge

The Independent Living Program has the right to release any participant as deemed necessary.  The focus is on the success of the residents in the Independent Living

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