Young Adult Supported Living (YASL)

Devin Woolridge, Program Director

The YASL provides its residents (ages 18-22) an opportunity to live in a trauma informed and therapeutic supportive environment while they work towards obtaining a high school diploma or a further education plan. Residents also strive to gain employment opportunities while achieving a goal of independence through case management. All residents are asked to save 30% of their income through a savings plan that will be returned to them upon discharge. IL youth are referred to Centerboard from the Department of Children & Families. All residents have access to a variety of supports and services via Centerboard’s Family Resource Center, We Rise, and T.R.U.E. Mentor Program.

Centerboard’s Co-ed YASL has (7) beds that are subsidized through the Lynn Housing Authority and is located in downtown Lynn. Each resident has a private bedroom and private bathroom with shared common space.

What YASL Offers

  • 24-Hour emergency On Call

  • Family Resource Center Support

  • Behavioral support and safety planning

  • Life Skills group

  • Case management

  • Support with medical/dental treatment

  • Houses are staffed 7 days a week but not 24 hours

  • “Stepping Out” readiness

  • Community connections

  • Counseling if needed

  • Savings plans

  • Referrals for domestic violence and exploited youth

  • Employment and Education assistance

  • Housing Application Assistance

Achieving Permanency

Centerboard Youth Service Programs practice Permanency-specific work with each young adult, using three essential strategies – Family Search and Engagement, Youth Guided Teaming and Permanency. Our Permanency services are designed to establish a significant adult connection in a youth’s life as they age out of many youth service programs.  We believe our young adults are best prepared to transition to adulthood when they have at least one caring, committed adult in their life. Permanency planning options are identified through a youth guided activity, Safety Circles, where staff initiate conversations to address options with kinship and lifelong connections.  Safety Circles allow the youth to identify who is important and visible in their life and build a network of support. The intended goal is to create a viable permanent plan, with a strong support network and to achieve permanent housing.