Homes
Each year millions of dollars are spent relocating youth in need of group homes, foster homes or other institutional care from Douglas County to out of state facilities due to the lack of appropriate facilities in Metro Omaha. Release Ministries has a vision for reaching some of these youth by offering them an opportunity to live in a loving family environment. This unique and highly effective approach combines traditional residential care with the modeling of a healthy Christian family and offers youth the opportunity to learn life skills and practice independent living.
The gender-specific homes are for both boys and girls ages 16 to 19. Participation in the Release Ministries Homes is voluntary for youth but we require youth who do come to make a personal commitment to grow and change. Release Ministries has three homes with two of them currently open and active, one of them a girls home and the other a boys home, and the third home is to open in fall.
Program History and Overview
The Release Home has been serving the teen population of Douglas and Sarpy counties since 2005.
We specialize in the needs of older teenage clients (ages 16-19). Our program addresses the critical areas of emotional stability, educational success, job preparation/ work readiness, and daily living skills that enable youth to transition to independent living. We currently have three locations (one for girls and one for boys). Our third home is scheduled to open this fall.
| Program Specifics |
| Daily Living Cooking, Shopping, Hygiene, Driving, Self Advocacy, Interpersonal Communication Skills, Time Management, Basic Home / Automotive Maintenance, Parenting, Banking, Budgeting, Financial Management, Computer/ Technology training. We utilize CASEY Life Skills Assessment as well as specialized volunteer trainers with personal experience. |
| Housing On site housing, Apartment/ Dormitory search, Apartment furnishing. |
| Physical Health YMCA Membership, Nutrition, Outdoor activities, Sports participation, Basic First Aid Training, Assistance with navigating healthcare system (including low cost alternatives) while living in the community |
| Mental Health Assist mental health professionals with reports/ input as well as monitoring medication and participating in family/group sessions when appropriate |
| Employment Employment training, Employment search assistance, Networking with other employment assistance providers in the community, such as Workforce Development and Youth Partnership (79% of the youth in our program have found employment), provide transportation to and from work. |
| Education Assist with education needs/ Desires, Traditional high school, Alternative high school, GED, College, Vocational Training, Tutoring, Literacy training, Educational Advice and Proofreading for youth that have transitioned, College Search and visits, Financial Aid assistance |
| Personal Empowerment and Engagement Self Advocacy training, Emotional development, Assistance in finding hobbies/ pursuing interests, Specific skill training (time management, group/peer interaction, conflict resolution) Celebrate reaching goals and personal achievements. |
| Community Engagement Opportunities for community service and involvement, participate in community events, Networking with other resources (Youth Partnership, Alcoholics Anonymous, High school groups and clubs such as FBLA). Availability of church and other faith based opportunities, Strong ties with a youth mentoring program |
| **Permanence Intense Independent Living Training, Emphasis on youth building healthy family relationships, Safe environment open to clients returning, Alumni Ski Trip, House events, Continued support after graduation. |
**Everything we do is done with the idea of Permanence as a focus. Our entire program is structured to give youth increasing levels of responsibility and independence. We go to great lengths to help youth build healthy relationships with their family. We strive to provide a community environment in which former clients are always welcome back for additional support.
For more information or to inquire about placement availability please contact Garrett Swanberg at 402-305-8070 or at homes@releaseministries.org.