Program Description

The Transitional Living Program (TLP) consists of scattered site apartments located throughout Northern and Southern Oxford County as well as Northern Cumberland County.  The development of this TLP supplements other RGH, Inc. programs and provides an option for older homeless youth, including pregnant and parenting teens that need assistance in their transition to adulthood.

In the residential component,  the TLP Program will assist 10 older, homeless youth ages 16-21 per year in making a successful transition to self sufficiency by providing scattered site apartments where they can remain for up to 18 months.  In the non-residential component, annually at least 30 youth will be served and offered a broad range of services to eliminate their homeless situation. This includes case management, family support services, or supportive counseling and outreach services.

The goal of the TLP program is to address the immediate problems facing homeless youth, first, and then address the underlying issues that affect their lifelong development and independence. The TLP Program provides a safe, stable living environment, and teaches youth the necessary skills to live successfully on their own.  The ultimate goal of the TLP program is to secure and maintain independent living skills while living in the community with minimal support, working toward self-sufficiency, and without dependence upon the social service system whenever possible. 

The objectives of the TLP are to:

• Provide safe, stable living accommodations;
• Assess needs and plans individualized services using client input;
• Teach life skills;
• Provide the opportunity for education;
• Provide job search training and assistance;
• Ensure access to medical and mental health care and substance abuse counseling and treatment;
• Teach effective social and interpersonal skills;
• Provide specialized services for pregnant and parenting teens; and
• Offer supportive and aftercare services.

Youth will be eligible for the TLP if they are homeless, or at risk of immediate homelessness, our outside the jurisdiction of the state of Maine DHHS and Corrections system.  Eligibility criteria for admission to the TLP program includes:

• 16 to 21 years old, males or females
• Youth under the age of 18 must be emancipated per the state of Maine law, or receive written parental permission to participate in the program
• Limited or non-existent family support system
• Underdeveloped skills for functioning productively in society
• Strongly motivated to succeed
• Completed high school or GED. If not completed, must demonstrate willingness and motivation to work toward that goal
• Currently employed or has demonstrated willingness and desire to seek and maintain employment
• Is drug and alcohol free or is maintaining sobriety
• No history of significant impairment in emotional or mental functioning

Community Partners:  The TLP has sought collaborative support with other community agencies to serve as our partners. This includes Community Concepts, Tri-County Mental Health Services, local schools, Region 9, Tri-County Health Services, and other agencies that have the ability to provide services to our youth.

Referrals: Referrals come from other social service agencies, schools, medical staff, police departments, parents, civic and/or religious organizations, concerned citizens and self-referrals.  To make a referral please call 369-9439 or 357-5579.