Helping young women shape an independent future
in a home away from home. . . .

Philosophy

At the heart of Collier Group Home's Program is a belief in the inherent worth of the individual and the capacity for personal change. This belief is lived out by providing a nurturing and therapeutic environment where adolescent girls can put forth their best efforts to realize their hopes and dreams. No matter what troubles have dotted their early lives, girls are encouraged to use the Group Home as a place to grow toward personal responsibility and independence.

The Residential Program

Collier Group Home in Red Bank, New Jersey is a residence for ten teenage girls who are unable to live in their own homes due to significant and long-standing personal or family problems.

The girls live together in a warm, attractive setting where they interact with each other and supportive adults. Staffed twenty-four hours a day by professional counselors, the residence provides a stable and an affirming environment in which girls prepare to return to their homes or independent living. The girls attend the local public school or an appropriate alternative school, share household chores, hold part-time jobs, participate in community service projects, socialize with friends and enjoy a variety of planned social and recreational activities. Weekend family visits are encouraged.

The Counseling Program

The counseling program helps each girl determine and achieve her own goals and set the course for successful adult life. Since each resident is unique, a treatment plan is tailored for each youngster.

The girls meet weekly with the Group Home's social worker to deal with personal and family issues and treatment goals. Residents also benefit from weekly informal house meetings and group therapy sessions, conducted by a consulting psychologist. Every three months, each girl's progress is reviewed and the treatment plan adjusted accordingly.

In addition, therapy is offered to families so that family reunification can be achieved, whenever possible.

The goal of this work is to help young women take charge of their lives.

Referral and Admission

Candidates are referred to the Group Home through the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS). Girls may also be identified as needing this service by schools, mental health centers, social service agencies, the courts and private practitioners. Following a successful intake interview, new residents are accepted into the program.

For information regarding referral and intake procedures, contact the Group Home's Director or social worker during business hours at
(732) 842-8337.