Rights
of Passage, affectionately known as “ROP,” is
a transitional living program that offers a unique opportunity
for homeless youth (ages 18 to 20) to address the issues and
responsibilities of adulthood while receiving residential
support and the guidance of Covenant House Alaska staff and
volunteer mentors. Rights of Passage combines employment assistance
with educational advancement for issues of independent living
such as paying rent, maintaining a checking account, setting
short/long-term goals, to name a few. Residents develop skills
that will aid them in living a successful and independent
personal and professional life upon graduating from the program.
Upon
graduation from ROP, residents are assisted in their efforts
to locate and secure housing 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, which assist them in stabilizing their lives once
they’ve moved into their new homes.
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"Being
in McLaughlin, I didn’t experience things that everyone
else my age did, like working with money, handling a job,
or even driving a car. When I got to Covenant House, I did
this in a somewhat controlled atmosphere. If I fell, I had
somewhere to fall. I had someone to catch me.”
Read more about Brian.
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Gena
Graves
Transitional
Living Program Coordinator
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Services
Offered
We consider vocational and
educational growth to be essential in the quest for independent
living. The current skills and educational levels of each resident
are assessed through the development of individual plans.
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 higher education and employment opportunities that
pay above the minimum wage and offer benefits. Vocational assistance
is offered on a broad range of topics, including interviewing,
proper dress, job retention, and employer/employee interactions.
We work very hard to build relationships with local employers,
many of whom are willing to partner with Covenant House by offering
job opportunities to youth.
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List of Services Offered
at Rights of Passage:
* Job readiness skills and employment support
*
Case management and employment support
*
Independent living skills workshops
*
Financial development and budget management
*
Coordination and referral to community providers
*
Educational assistance
*
24-hour support staff
*
Aftercare to ensure stability and continuance of goals and objectives
set while at Rights of Passage
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For
more information on the application process, please contact:
Gena
Graves, Transitional Living Program Coordinator
(907) 339-4420
ggraves@covenanthouseak.org
Is
this Program right for me?
Rights of Passage accepts
self referrals as well as referrals from community programs
and individuals. Applicants must complete an application, submit
a resume, write an autobiography, and submit one letter of
reference.
Admission
Criteria
*Homeless
female or male youth ages 18 to 20
*Willing
to live in a community environment with other residents
*Maintain
employment and participate in the Job Development Program
You may download the application
with autobiography requirements using the link below.
DOWNLOAD
AN APPLICATION
For
more information on the application process, please contact:
Gena
Graves, Transitional Living Program Coordinator
(907) 339-4420
ggraves@covenanthouseak.org
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Youth
Profile
Brian
After spending three years
in McLaughlin Youth Center, Brian arrived at Covenant House
Alaska in the spring of 2000. He spent his first two months
at Covenant House in the Crisis Center as he prepared himself
to apply to for Rights of Passage, our residential program
for homeless youth between the ages of 18 and 20. Residents
at Rights of Passage are required to work as part of the program,
and Brian started looking for a job right away.
Brian tried several part-time jobs but he had
trouble maintaining them. Then, with the assistance of staff
members in the Job Development Program, he pursued a position
with Alaska Supply Chain Integrators, a contractor for BP,
in downtown Anchorage. Brian worked in the warehouse at Alaska
Supply Chain Integrators for more than a year before was promoted
to his current position as an administrative assistant for
bill of materials. He has enjoyed his experience so much that
he hopes to work as ASCI’s warehouse manager one day.
“The Job Development program can give each
individual the tools they need to succeed," Brian said.” “But
just because they provide the hammer, that doesn't drive the
nail in — they can’t do it for you,” he added.
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