CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Teen Center, opening Tuesday, will offer skills training, goal setting and ongoing coaching for foster children, along with support for their families.
The new United Methodist Children's Home program, which replaces its group home service, aligns with foster care trends. The Florida Department of Children and Families is pushing to move foster children out of group homes and into individual households with a more family-like environment, Kristin Alberda, the UMCH program's vice president, said.
Three children were staying at the Crestview group home when the transition of services began in January, Alberda said. They have moved to independent living, in a group home or a foster home.
Now, the center has a “radically different” mission, said the Rev. Tyler Fuller, of Niceville UMC.
Instead of spending time and energy housing foster children, staffers and volunteers can invest in teenagers' emotional and life-skills development, he said.
In addition, Rebecca Morris, UMCH vice president of external affairs, said the center will help families by allowing experienced and first-time foster parents to network.
Missions will include helping 80 children achieve educational, spiritual and personal goals in a “one-stop shop," staffers said.
Youths will learn how to write resumes and job applications and will cultivate interviewing skills, according to a brochure.
The center's supply closet includes donated school supplies, personal care and hygiene products, food, and clothing appropriate for job interviews.
Program manager Mae R. Knox said she's happy to address the need in this area with hands-on elder youth empowerment program.
"We will be continuing to solicit support from within the community," she said, "because it does take a whole village to raise one child."
WHAT: Crestview Teen Center, presented by the United Methodist Children's Home
WHERE: 120 Duggan Ave., Crestview
CONTACT: info@umch.net
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Former group home becomes 'one-stop shop' for foster teens' growth, development