Alliance For Youth Inc

The most basic human need is to feel connected to others and addiction destroys connection. When people want to get sober, they often have aliented friends and family, have no job and no money and are carrying guilt and shame from the things they did in their addiciton. They face a dilemma, remain isolated and lonely or seek connection with the people they drank and used with and likely relapse. The sober life prevents people from having to make this choice by providing a healthy outlet where people in recovery can fulfill their need for connection. Sober life is operated by people in recovery, helping those in recovery - by people in recovery, for people in recovery. Alliance for youth offers a range of free and family-friendly events and activities, where those in recovery can enjoy fellowship and build friendships in an alcohol, drug and judgement free environment. We also offer volunteer opportunities, so our members can gain self-esteem and a sense of purpose as they grow into contributing members of the community.

The youth resource center (yrc) meets the physical, social and emotional needs of vulnerable youth in a low-barrier, safe, secure and supportive environment. The yrc drop-in center is a first point of contact that provides an informal atmosphere to attract and engage youth who are disadvantaged and/or homeless. Key features of the yrc include; low- or no-barrier: foster a welcoming, safe, non-judgemental environment, with limited requirements. Meet basic needs; provide easy access to food, laundry, shower and clothes. Provide access to internet, phones, and lockers for storage of belongings. Scheduled visiting medical staff can provide optional basic healthcare and first aid. Trauma-informed care: despite the informal atmosphere, staff is trained and ready to provide crisis intervention, conflict resolution and supporting services. Positive youth development; staff is trained to develop the youth's competence, confidence, connection and contribution. Youth focused; create a positive and healthy peer network for youth, access to caring adults and engage in youth-centered programming. Service coordination: operate as a central hub for services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health care, substance abuse treatment, housing search support and advocacy. Staff can help with documentation and facilitates school re-engagement or connection to adult basic workforce development programs. Drop-in centers operate in tandem with mobile "street" outreach programs, family engagement centers, emergency shelters and transitional housing.