Northwest Youth Services - Skagit County
How did you get Involved?
During the Winter 2010 Career Fair held on the Western Washington University Campus, I discovered Northwest Youth Services (NWYS). I went to Career Fair in pursuit of finding an internship directly working with youth and in either the Skagit or Island County. I spoke with the representative of NWYS and discovered that they had a branch in Mount Vernon. A bit hesitant in working with homeless youth, I scheduled an informational interview with the two case managers at NWYS-Skagit. At first I was nervous, but walked away from the interview excited to start. At first I anticipated on committing myself to just one quarter, but found myself in a trance of the vast opportunities I had exposed to the work life of a CM. I found myself excited and passionate about working with program participants and other case managers. I truly have walked away from my internship at NWYS with confidence in my capabilities as a case manager.
Mission
“Northwest Youth Services keeps youth safe, heals family relationships, reconnects youth to the community and promotes self-reliance” {for more info}.
Vision
"Northwest Youth Services envisions a society that values its children and youth while promoting their healthy development" {for more info}.
Skagit County Housing Programs
The Skagit Transitional Living Program (TLP) is an independent living program for homeless single or parenting individuals in Skagit County. NWYS provides homeless youth with an apartment, case management, life skills classes, and supportive services. To be eligible for this program you must be between the ages of 18-22 (16 or 17 if emancipated) and homeless. While in the program you must be willing to work towards obtaining a monthly income (employment, GAU/GAX, TANF, etc.) and save 30% of that income once obtained. In addition, participants are required to work with a case manager to set long and short term goals, complete a mental health assessment, and supply $150 for a cleaning deposit ($75 of which is non-refundable). Participants can stay in this housing for up to 18 months {for more info}.
The Permanent Housing Program assists homeless youth in finding an affordable place to live while providing case management, supportive services, and short term rental assistance. To be eligible for this program you must be between the ages of 18-25 and homeless {for more info}.
The Supportive Housing Program is a program for homeless single or parenting individuals in Skagit County. NWYS assists homeless youth in finding an affordable place to live while providing case management, supportive services, and short term rental assistance. To be eligible for this program you must be between the ages of 18-22 (16 or 17 if emancipated) and homeless. Participants must have verifiable income (Employment, GAU/GAX, TANF, etc.) and pay rent when required by property management. In this program you are also required to work with a case manager on developing individual short and long term goals and follow the lease requirements and rules {for more info}.
The Permanent Housing Program assists homeless youth in finding an affordable place to live while providing case management, supportive services, and short term rental assistance. To be eligible for this program you must be between the ages of 18-25 and homeless {for more info}.
The Supportive Housing Program is a program for homeless single or parenting individuals in Skagit County. NWYS assists homeless youth in finding an affordable place to live while providing case management, supportive services, and short term rental assistance. To be eligible for this program you must be between the ages of 18-22 (16 or 17 if emancipated) and homeless. Participants must have verifiable income (Employment, GAU/GAX, TANF, etc.) and pay rent when required by property management. In this program you are also required to work with a case manager on developing individual short and long term goals and follow the lease requirements and rules {for more info}.
Housing Case Aid Intern: June - December 2010
Principle Responsibilities:
1. Assist Case Manager (CM) with management of program participants. This will include writing case logs, attending CM meetings, building master plan and goal sheets, and referring youth to community resources.
2. Assist Program Coordinator with intake process.
3. Attend Community Meetings.
4. Work with CM and Clients on creating housing plans and searching for affordable housing.
5. Some occasional office work, which would include filing and coping.
6. Set-up and schedule life skills classes for program participants.
Preparation, Experience, and Skills Desired:
1. Dynamic and energetic
2. Highly motivated to interact with the community on the professional and direct service level.
3. Requires excellent organizational and communication skills and basic knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and general office machines.
4. Able to provide prompt and courteous customer service.
5. Ability to be sensitive and responsive to diversity.
Files I created while as a Housing Aid Intern
1. Assist Case Manager (CM) with management of program participants. This will include writing case logs, attending CM meetings, building master plan and goal sheets, and referring youth to community resources.
2. Assist Program Coordinator with intake process.
3. Attend Community Meetings.
4. Work with CM and Clients on creating housing plans and searching for affordable housing.
5. Some occasional office work, which would include filing and coping.
6. Set-up and schedule life skills classes for program participants.
Preparation, Experience, and Skills Desired:
1. Dynamic and energetic
2. Highly motivated to interact with the community on the professional and direct service level.
3. Requires excellent organizational and communication skills and basic knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and general office machines.
4. Able to provide prompt and courteous customer service.
5. Ability to be sensitive and responsive to diversity.
Files I created while as a Housing Aid Intern
Skagit County Project Homeless Connect
Skagit County Project Homeless Connect is a national program which dedicates one day to provide services either at a lower cost or free of charge; including dental, medical, haircuts, food care, and medical treatment for their pets. The Skagit County Project Homeless Connect partnered with local service providers and volunteering in providing a one-stop, one-day service for homeless and low-income individuals. Along with these service, they partnered up with Rice Bowl who provided free clothing for all participants. They were also able to provide breakfast and lunch to all the participants.