Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development

Open Hands Youth Program  

Our Open Hands Youth Program provides a home, counseling and other services to 12 boys and girls ages 9 to 18. This program has two components:

A Short Term Crisis Intervention Program (up to 30 days) for up to 8 runaway, homeless   or troubled youth. Our staff evaluates their situation, helps resolve the most immediate crisis and then links the youth and their families to community services that can continue to help them.

A Transitional Group Home Program for youth (3 to 6 months) for up to 4 youth who will   go back home or live on their own after they leave us. They are placed in the program through the court system, the Department of Economic Security and the Department of Juvenile Corrections.

The staff at this program also answer our 24-hour hotline number, which usually receives over 4,000 phone calls each year. The hotline is for parents and youth who need someone to talk to, counseling or possible placement in the program.

Everyone is under 24-hour supervision and are placed on a behavior management system to provide structure and encourage positive behaviors.  Depending on individual situations, they may become involved in school, work and/or community programs.

The house has a home-like atmosphere with everyone sharing in chores and eating together. Group, individual and family counseling helps them learn to take responsibility for their actions, learn new coping skills, provide mutual support and develop productive goals.