Supporting Services
Niles Home has created a variety of supporting services to focus on creating healthy lives. A safe and healing environment encourages growth, independence and an awareness of personal responsibility. Niles’ supportive services help children claim independence, no longer victims, but architects of their own futures.
Hip Health
Niles is proud to have won the Council on Accreditation’s International Award for Innovation for Hip Health, an innovative Niles initiative. Eating right, healthy activity and understanding your body are all important aspects of a good life. Hip Health focuses on education and good habits to create a strong future. It teaches youth how to take responsibility for a healthy and positive life.
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment
Every child who comes to Niles is considered highly at risk for substance abuse. Certified SA counselors supervise treatment for those already using drugs or alcohol. Additionally, every child is involved in prevention programs, focused on building strengths to resist involvement with illegal substances.
Living Skills Enrichment
Whether they are aging out of the foster care system or simply need to learn everyday skills; Niles youth are encouraged to claim responsibility for their own actions and future plans. Niles staff and volunteers teach skills like cooking and nutrition, budgeting, getting and keeping a job, gardening, financial management, smart shopping and community connections.
Family Focus
Children who leave Niles and their family members sometimes need follow up care and support. Family focus provides in-home treatment and safety net services to help create a positive family environment that continues a child’s progress toward health.
Second Chances
Wrap around case management, including on-going mental health treatment, access to community resources and a supportive hand are the essential elements of Second Chances. Every Niles alumni has the opportunity to access this follow up service.
Garden
Niles’ large and inviting garden is one aspect of the Hip Health initiative. Youth, staff and volunteers work together to grow fruit and vegetables for Niles’ cafeteria. Excess amounts are sold at Niles’ Farmer’s Market, helping children learn entrepreneurial skills in business and customer relations. The goldfish pond and gazebo are great places to experience the therapeutic affects of nurturing living things.