Preparing adolescents for a transition to independent living.

These group home environment programs — located in Brooklyn and Queens — are set up to ensure that residents have access to a safe and supportive home at all times. Highly trained staff are available at all hours to address their needs and provide guidance. This high level of support allows Heartshare St. Vincent's Family Services to implement individualized service plans that focus on therapeutic interventions, skill-building activities, and emotional support, the fostering of resilience, and encouragement of personal growth. Maintaining a consistent and nurturing presence empowers our residents to navigate their mental health challenges and cultivate the skills necessary for living a successful and fulfilling life.

Program participants are part of a family, including peer housemates experiencing behavioral challenges and dedicated staff offering personal, academic and career counseling. Heartshare's children’s residences are staffed with compassionate, skilled professionals who create a family-oriented environment, including clinicians, nurses, youth counselors, and social workers. The Heartshare team works closely with our youth and their families to ensure they’re on the right track to achieve their personal goals and that their stay is a temporary one.

Our program includes three CCRs designed for youth aged 13 to 18, and a single specialized Refocus program for young individuals aged 14 to 21.

Youth have complex circumstances, situations, and needs — and require personalized, supportive environments and solutions. The Children’s Community Residence (CCR) is a valuable resource. It provides a safe and structured environment for adolescents and young adults with mental health needs, offering them a refuge where they can receive the support and care necessary for their emotional and psychological well-being. This is particularly crucial for youth who may have experienced trauma or instability.

CCRs facilitate the development of essential life skills, helping residents learn coping strategies, emotional regulation, and social skills that are vital for their future success. Individualized, therapeutic activities and support, help residents better manage and navigate the complexities of adolescence and young adulthood.

By promoting family bonding time and encouraging open communication, these home support the transition back home, helping to strengthen familial relationships. This holistic approach not only benefits the residents, but also contributes to the overall health and stability of families.