#OneOfMANY: Thoughts On Youth Services From Chris Nelson Of Attention Homes In Boulder, CO
#OneOfMANY: Thoughts On Youth Services From Chris Nelson Of Attention Homes In Boulder, CO as part of our #MANYRoadTrip
MANY is traveling all across the country this fall, meeting with member organizations, talking about their programs, and identifying trends and issues that are happening in the youth services field across the country. We had the privilege of sitting down with Chris Nelson, the Director of Programs at one of our member organizations, Attention Homes in Boulder, CO, to talk more about his thoughts on youth services, his program, and the rewards and challenges of his work:
Q: What do you appreciate most about the youth you work with? How is your approach effective in engaging youth into your programs? The answer is simple-- In real and honest relationships, where people have a sense of safety, worth and belonging, growth happens. I often get asked how we know what youth need or what we (as service providers or a community) can do to help youth. I've found that the answer is extremely simple-- if you want to know how you can help someone, or what they need-- ask THEM. and LISTEN. We've made a commitment to not prescribe anything to the youth in our community. Instead, if we can contribute to creating an environment where multiple youth, service providers, staff, counselors, volunteers, business owners and community members are ready to listen, without judgement, our "job" becomes pretty easy and young people are afforded the opportunities and relationships that benefit THEM.
Q: Can you share your insights on "warm hand-offs" and co-location, and benefits of this? How is this especially a good fit in Boulder? By providing co-location opportunities for over 50 people or agencies, youth can get to know someone and develop a trusting relationship with people that offer a service or resource (in one SAFE space), then they can truly CHOOSE how and when they engage. We understand the fear that many trauma survivors have of walking into a clinic or going to meet a representative of the court or child welfare system. So, we bring them into our space and provide the possibility for youth to develop a relationship with someone BEFORE they engage. If the relationships is real, so will be the engagement.
Pictured (L-R): Katy White (Director of Research & Innovation at MANY), Chris Nelson (Director of Programs), and Tug Levy (RHY Program Manager)
Q: What would the youth in your program say is the biggest strength they have? The biggest challenge they face? The youth we work with are survivors, they are tough, they are creative and fun and they are capable of anything that they want to do or be. Not the cheesy concept of "reaching their full potential", but really understanding what they want to do, who they are as individuals and how they contribute to the community. At Attention Homes, we have the luxury of walking beside young people as they discover their path, realize their value and develop for themselves a sense of self sufficiency.
Q: What is interesting/challenging/unique about your work in Boulder? I've met hundreds of people that do this work, and so often I hear our work described as draining, or challenging. While those adjectives can be true, I find my job incredibly uplifting. We are constantly learning from the young people we work with and our programs are constantly evolving because of the contribution that comes from real and honest relationships with interesting, passionate and creative youth. What a privilege it is to share in the successes (and the learning that comes from the "stumbles") of so many inspiring human beings.
About Attention Homes Attention Homes provides life-changing resources for youth in crisis. Based in Boulder, CO, their goals are to create a safe environment for youth to: build behavioral, emotional and career-related pathways for success; reunite with their families; and finally, become self-sufficient. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to check out their website here.
To follow the rest of MANY’s road trip around the country, follow the hashtag on Twitter #MANYRoadTrip here and follow the hashtag on Facebook #MANYRoadTrip here.
