SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Our programs and services were developed by people
with Lived Experience.
Each participant's program is as unique as the person experiencing it,
and is led by their needs, their goals, and their dreams.
Basic Needs
At HeadsUp, we recognize the vital importance of addressing basic needs as a priority. Our programs are designed to ensure that young adults have access to essentials like food, clothing, safe shelter, and healthcare. We believe that meeting these basic needs forms the foundation for individuals to reach their full potential. Once these immediate necessities are met, participants have the mental energy to focus on other important goals, such as finding employment or pursuing education. Our holistic approach at HeadsUp ensures that meeting basic needs and securing stable housing remain a constant focus. By doing so, we help reduce the risk of additional trauma and become part of a solution, providing support that empowers participants to tackle significant challenges ahead.
Trust Based Mentorship
Building trust with a participant is essential for fostering open communication and personal development. This process starts by taking a sincere interest in their life and valuing their viewpoints. Additionally, being dependable and consistent in your interactions will further solidify this trust. HeadsUp creates safe, authentic environments to cultivate and sustain trust-based relationships. We provide non-transactional connections, allowing the opportunity to understand needs, wants, and aspirations over time. This approach establishes a foundation of trustful openness as we explore opportunities for participants to achieve their goals.
​
As participants set and achieve their goals, our role is to celebrate their victories with them. Young people facing overwhelming obstacles often struggle to envision a future for themselves, but as they discover their own strength, they come to realize they can accomplish anything – and that is truly worth celebrating.
Life Skill Development
We prioritize life skill development and the importance of building meaningful relationships. We understand that essential practical skills, such as using public transportation, budgeting, and managing a credit score, look different for everyone. Our approach includes spending quality time together in comfortable and safe environments, where participants can learn and practice these skills. Through everyday activities, like ordering food or navigating a grocery store, we help build social and emotional skills, such as communication and patience. We address trauma triggers as they make themselves known, and work on healthy relationship skills. We work on things like how to use public transportation, how choose a doctor, setting up calendars and alarms, email and voicemail on phones, how to budget, how to use an EBT card, how to use a laundromat, basic cleaning and household skills, learning how to manage a credit score, applying for apartments, boundaries, reading recipes or ingredient labels, personal hygiene, how to obtain documents, and more. For those who may have missed out on certain childhood experiences, engaging in activities like dyeing Easter eggs or bowling can provide a sense of normalcy and joy. By combining practical skill development with supportive relationships and addressing missed experiences, we see participants embrace their authentic selves laying a strong foundation for future success.​​
Advocacy and Co-Advocacy
At HeadsUp, advocacy is at the heart of our mission. We believe in empowering young adults not only through direct support but also by teaching them the skills needed for self-advocacy. We help individuals understand their rights, navigate systems, and confidently voice their needs and concerns. Additionally, we engage in co-advocacy through partnerships with other area programs and organizations to provide comprehensive support tailored to each participant’s unique needs. Whether it's cultural support, religious support, or other specialized services, we collaborate with our partners to ensure their needs are met. This approach breaks down silos and encourages collaborative community efforts, creating a more integrated and supportive network for participants. By working together, we enhance our collective impact, ensuring that every young adult has access to the full spectrum of resources necessary for their growth and well-being.
Resource Navigation
At HeadsUp, we've created resource navigation specific to transitional age youth; providing easy-to-understand options and warm introductions to community resources. Our resource navigation services are designed to guide young adults through the often complex landscape of social services, healthcare, employment opportunities, educational programs, and other essential resources. We work closely with each individual to understand their unique needs and provide personalized guidance, ensuring they connect with the appropriate services. By doing so, we help remove barriers to access and empower young adults to improve their lives. Additionally, our expertise in youth-specific resources allows us to enhance organizational capacity community-wide. We collaborate with other organizations to create a network of support tailored to the needs of young people.
New Program
Coming soon