New Hoffman Homes Programs Increase Services to Youth and Young Adults

In 2022, Hoffman Homes for Youth — based in Littlestown, Pa. — launched two new programs to serve youth and young adults in need of behavioral health and mental health support and treatments, but not at the level offered by its in-patient Psychiatric Residential Treatment Program. In April 2022, it opened the first of two Transitional Living Program (TLP) residences on its campus serving females ages 16-21 who are in the care and custody of Children and Youth and who are without a living caregiver. Each residence houses four young women and includes shared as well as single bedrooms and a common area with a kitchen and living area.

TLP focuses on developing life, social, and job/work skills to prepare residents to live independently in the community. In the past 10 months, TLP has worked with seven residents, including Ash, a 20 year old from Northampton County, Pa. With guidance from their treatment team, Ash developed goals including how to create a resume, manage a household budget, practice interview skills, shop for clothes/groceries, and engage in community activities.

Within a few weeks of arriving at Hoffman, they joined a weekly knitting group at a local library. “I’ve been knitting since 5th grade,” Ash said. And recently, Ash went on their first interview at a local restaurant and was offered the job. “I’m in training, and it’s been easy. Lunch rush can
be crazy, though!” they said.

In June 2022, Hoffman Homes opened a 15-bed emergency Shelter Program for males and females, ages 7-21. Shelter residents are in the care and custody of Children and Youth and in need of temporary placement while they wait for a more permanent living situation. Length of stays vary from a few days to weeks or months, depending on available and appropriate resources. In the past nine months, the shelter has worked with 17 individuals, mostly from Pennsylvania’s York County. Currently, the shelter houses eight girls and one boy. Shelter staff, trained in trauma informed care, ensure that these young people feel safe and nurtured and have a sense of belonging during their time of transition.

Additionally, in August 2022, Hoffman Homes received a license to operate a Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic. This new service is licensed under Pennsylvania’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and allows Hoffman Homes to provide outpatient individual, group, and family therapy. Currently, this service is available to the youth and young adults — Hoffman Homes is finding that many clients have experienced their own trauma and challenges where additional support is necessary. The youth and young adults are not required to have this service, and it is only provided if they select Hoffman Homes as the outpatient provider they wish to have. By choosing this service through Hoffman Homes, individuals can access outpatient support more quickly than if they attempt to schedule an appointment in the community where resources are scarce and waiting lists are long.

The goal of the program is to eventually expand this service to individuals not residing on our campus but who are struggling with their own mental health needs. Many community outpatient providers are scheduling upwards of six months in the future, so expanding this service will help individuals receive help in their time of need.