Project Return's Group Home for Teenage Girls in Crisis

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM

Residential Program (PASS group home)

Project Return's Residential Program is an unusually effective, therapeutic group home for adolescent girls in crisis. Licensed by the State of Connecticut and officially referred to as a "PASS" (Preparing Adolescents for Self-Sufficiency) group home, we serve as a community-based residential facility for adolescent girls suffering from clinical disorders including: depression, suicidality, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders resulting from physical/sexual abuse, and conduct and behavioral disorders. Many Project Return residents have experienced traumatic parental loss, or have been victims of abuse or neglect.

The residents' daily routines include: school, extracurricular activities, part-time employment, family therapy, art therapy, group therapy, and nutritional counseling when appropriate.

Program objectives include: development of self-awareness and insight, cultivation of a personalized vision of health and well-being, development of self-respect and esteem, utilization of critical thinking skills in decision making, establishment of a sense of community and a commitment to support fellow residents. These goals are achieved by teaching basic skills in communication, problem solving, negotiation, conflict resolution, self-care and impulse management.

The Residents

Girls come to Project Return at crossroads in their lives and each has a unique story. Girls who are able to take responsibility for their life choices and have the courage to make positive changes within themselves will be most successful in the program. With the goal of independent living or re-unification with family in mind, each girl works toward health by following a program that suits her individual needs.

The girls become temporary family members to one another, and with the staff acting as therapeutic "parents", they work through trials and traumatic events. Most residents are referred by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) but, families also come to Project Return seeking assistance for a teenage daughter who is struggling through adolescence with unexplainable changes in personality and behavior.

Since 1986, over 132 girls have benefited from the consistent, caring therapeutic environment created by Project Return.

The House

A renovated 100-year old farmhouse is home to Project Return. Combining living and recreation areas, bedrooms and staff offices, this vibrant home is a welcome haven for girls whose lives have been in turmoil. Leased from the Town of Westport in 1986, the house was renovated through community fund-raising efforts and support. Church groups, philanthropic organizations, individuals, businesses, AmeriCares, and many others painted, hammered, planned, and cleaned creating a warm and cozy home-like atmosphere. Many of these organizations continue their support for the agency.