Causes: Children & Youth, Human Services, Personal Social Services, Youth Development Programs

Mission: To empower young adults who lack significant family support to transition successfully to adulthood by providing the resources and support necessary for them to take control of their lives, shape positive futures for themselves and become successful contributors to their community.

Results:
•In August 2009, the Matthews House was recognized by United Way of Larimer County as a program that successfully moves underserved individuals into self-sufficiency and we received only the second Demonstration Project Model Grant issued by United Way of Larimer County.
•In 2011, Realities for Children honored 12 youth who had triumphed over neglect and abuse. Eight recipients were Matthews House participants.
•Since opening in 2005, ○ 97% of youth in our program have gained a support system ○ 90% have increased knowledge of life skills ○ 72% have acquired employment ○ 92% have maintained healthy relationships ○ 76% have participated in leadership/new behavior training ○ 91% have not entered or returned to the justice system ○ 88% have earned a high school diploma or GED ○ 97% have avoided parenthood before age 19 ○ 90% have abstained from substance abuse

Target demographics: young adults ages 16-21 who have little family support, particularly those emancipating from foster care and/or on parole with the juvenile justice system

Direct beneficiaries per year: 90-100

Geographic areas served: Larimer County, Colorado

Programs: Current programs and activities:• Independent Living and Interpersonal Skills Instruction to teach skills needed for the transition to self-sufficient living. These include Cooking and Nutrition, Money Management, Anger Management, Career Development, Employment Readiness, Relationship Skills, Life Mapping, Parenting Skills, Substance Abuse and Prevention, and Health Education. • Transition Facilitation to implement positive life changes and develop social skills and problem-solving abilities. Transition facilitators are Bachelor level social workers focusing on one-on-one work with youth. • Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, a federally funded grant administered by the Matthews House with a focus on 5 competency areas: Employment, Money Management, Household Management, Community Resources and Personal Skills for youth aged 16-21 who are involved in and aging out of foster care. • One-to-One Mentoring to promote self-esteem, positive mental health, and to offer modeling and reinforcement in the application of independent living skills. • Professional Counseling, Addiction Counseling, and Psychotherapy to develop and sustain positive mental health. • Experiential Education Opportunities to develop leadership, resiliency and team building skills through activities such as backpacking trips, rock climbing, canoeing, hiking, challenge courses, music, art, theater, and gardening. • Pro Social Activities such as monthly dinners, girls and guys groups, Improv groups, sporting events, and community activities to create a sense of belonging. • Character First, a national program to develop and incorporate character development in daily living. • Youth Leadership Team to provide a space for continued leadership development, youth participatory evaluation of the ongoing programs of the Matthews House, and community volunteerism.