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 Our transitional living program,
Rights of Passage (ROP), is a unique opportunity for those 18 to 20 to address the
issues and responsibilities of adulthood while under the guidance of Covenant House
Alaska staff and volunteer mentors. Rights of Passage guides these individuals through
a program which combines employment assistance and educational advancement with the issues
of independent living: paying rent, maintaining a checking account, and setting short/long
term goals. Residents develop skills that once they graduate from the program, will aid them
in living a successful personal and professional life.
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The program considers vocational and educational growth to be essential in the quest for
independent living. The current skill and educational levels of each resident are assessed
as individual plans are developed.
The overall instability of their lives has prevented most of these young men and women
from reaching their full potential. This in turn limits their access to above minimum wage
job opportunities and higher education.
Vocational assistance is offered on a broad range of topics including interviewing,
proper dress, job retention, employer/employee interactions, etc. Program staff work
very hard to maintain contact with local employers. Many are willing to cooperate with
the program by offering opportunities to youth, which previously have found it difficult
to enter the job market.
The Rights of Passage education program seeks to diminish anxieties about formal academic
training and introduces youth to appropriate and individualized educational experiences.
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Services offered at Rights of Passage:
- Job readiness skills and employment support
- Case Management to support independent living goals
- Independent living skills workshops
- Financial management and budget development
- Coordination and referral to community providers
- Educational Assistance
- 24-hour support staff
- An aftercare program to ensure stability and
continuance of goals and objectives set while at Rights of Passage
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Rights of Passage is designed to mirror the "real world" as much as possible.
Many youth come to us without even the most basic skills required for independent
living. Through workshops and individual coaching, we seek to assist the young men
and women to develop skills such as money management, priority setting, housing
acquisition and social-skills development. |
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Upon graduation from ROP, residents are assisted in their efforts to locate and
secure housing. Our Youth Resource Center provides support for these kids as they
navigate their transition to independent living. All of the young men and women who
participate in Rights of Passage are eligible for Aftercare Services. Aftercare assists
the young people in stabilizing their lives once they’ve moved into their new communities
and follows up with them on an ongoing basis. |
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The participation of the volunteer mentor is a key feature of the Rights of Passage program.
The mentor’s role is critical in the development of residents who in the past have lacked
effective adult influences in their lives. Through a caring, candid relationship, mentors can
contribute significantly to the personal and social growth of the residents. ROP residents have
ad few positive adult role models in their lives. Mentors are volunteers from the community
assigned to each resident to guide him/her through the learning process. For perhaps, the first
time in these young lives, they have a caring, interested adult committed to their success.
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| For more information please contact Carlette Mack, Program Cordinator for
Rights of Passage via email at cmack@covhouse.alaska.com
or by mail or phone at the following address:
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Rights of Passage
Youth Resource Center
750 West 5th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 258-4416 (phone)
(907) 272-6143 (fax)
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