Inside Out Youth Homes

It takes more than just a house to make a home. It requires warmth, personal interaction and an environment conducive to growth and support.

The Inside Out Youth Home offers a wonderful environment nestled in a restored historic home. Here, we didn’t just transform a house, but we’re also transforming the lives of young people. Giving them hope and a positive outlook for the future, from the security of a stable home base, where even the President of Inside Out and his wife live in the home as house parents.

The youth that reside with us become part of the Inside Out family and nearly all of them have
remained in contact with us, even years after they’ve moved out.

Residential care is the most expensive intervention we do on a per child basis, although many of the youth have resided at Inside Out at no charge to them or their families, God has provided funding through many ways. One of the most important ways you could make a difference in a young person’s life would be to commit to a regular monthly contribution to support youth at the Inside Out Youth Home.
 

Through building relationships with youth and being involved in crisis intervention, we found that a number of the youth needed more than just immediate intervention. In fact they needed a place to live and a life transforming family home.

 This has proven to be the most effective way to implement change in a young person’s life especially when other methods have failed. The state licensed Inside Out youth home provides a structured program where young people can live in a family style environment. This is most clearly evidenced by the fact the President of Inside Out and his wife actually live in the home as house parents. In addition to the expected professional qualifications, staff are chosen based on a sincere commitment to Christ and the youth.

 

Although some funding may be provided by the placing agencies, most of the youth who have resided at Inside Out have done so at no charge. Although this is the most expensive intervention we do on a per child basis, God has provided the funding so far. Unlike many group homes, every youth that has resided with us has become part of the Inside Out family and nearly all of them have remained in contact with us even years after they moved out. Some have become full time employees of the ministry.

One of the most important ways you could make a difference in a young person’s life would be to commit to a regular monthly contribution to support youth at the Inside Out Youth Home.
 

Why is the Inside Out Youth Home Needed?

In Clark County there were nearly 7,800 cases in Juvenile court last year (2002) including 1,955 delinquency cases. The Juvenile Detention Center processed 1,517 new intakes last year. The facility had an average population of 35.9 kids during 2002 and is only licensed to hold 36 kids. Many of these are or will be repeat offenders; most from underprivileged single parent homes.

We are living in a community where the population has remained basically stable, yet the juvenile crime rates have consistently increased.

Most of these kids lack positive role models in their lives and have had virtually no mentoring. Further, many have numerous family members and relatives with extensive criminal histories and have never been taught positive values and principals.

In this environment, when basic needs go unmet, it is only natural to turn to crime, and to escape through drugs, alcohol and sex.

We meet this need by building relationships with youth, changing their world view and their attitudes. We do this through weekly group meetings, intensive mentoring, character building instruction, school and family crisis intervention and sponsoring youth at church and related activities. We also provide necessities such as food, clothing, shoes, and school supplies as needed, particularly at the start of each school year.

How will the Inside Out Home create positive change?

The Inside Out Youth Group Home and Youth Center will be a state licensed group home operating on S. Fountain Ave. The building consists of a 6,200 Sq. Ft. (approx.) home which, after extensive renovation will provide housing for 8-10 at-risk and troubled youth. The proposed site is strategically located within 1 block of where we currently hold our weekly meetings, through our collaboration with Urban Light. This location is also one the highest poverty stricken areas in Springfield, Ohio.

In addition to serving as a life transforming home for 8-10 youth, the building will serve as a resource center for area young people. By locating our office and staff here, we will be more available to young people throughout the week. In this way we will become more effective at fulfilling our mission to create positive change in the lives of at-risk youth. The Building will include spacious living area for 10 youth, plus house parents and at least 1 assistant house parent. Additionally there will be multi purpose meeting rooms, library and offices. Computer training and stations will be made available to area young people as well as games and after school tutoring. Paid staff and volunteers will be available full time. The target population for the group home will be 8-10 youth age 12-18, mostly through the Juvenile Justice System. The target population for the area youth also taking part in the daily activities and weekly meetings will be 25-50 youth (our present weekly range) living in walking distance of Fountain & Pleasant. It is likely that this number will increase as our daily presence is established.

 

What are some of the anticipated outcomes that are a direct result of the Inside Out Home/Center.

 8-10 youth will be provided a life changing home. Trust and relationship are built in a family type setting. Special emphasis is given to character development, life skills, leadership skills, positive attitude development, and life success principals.
25-50 youth will directly benefit through mentoring and positive role models. Also tutoring and problem resolution counseling as needs arise.

Personal interviews and testimonies will show that improved character is building in the youth involved directly, and an indefinite number of young people’s lives are improved through the power of positive peer influence from these youth.

Lower juvenile crime rates. Kids who were vandalizing property and stealing choose other activities and have other life goals. With a new world view they are able to make different choices. 100% of the youth referred to program from court system will experience a reduced incidence of criminal activity.

Both resident and area youth are expected to have improved self esteem, greater respect for authority, better relationships with parents and others.

Weekly (50 per year) meetings and other activities provide a safe and positive alternative to the streets for youth who are looking for activities and a place to belong.