New Lifestyles

Transitional Living

Within the New Lifestyles design, opportunities exist for students in senior phases of the program to live more independently with less structure and oversight. Individuals who have demonstrated responsibility and a commitment toward personal growth, work and/or academics, and through progress on New Lifestyles phase activities can become eligible to live in a Transition House. The Transition House is different from other New Lifestyles housing in that it is neither regularly occupied by program staff members during the day, nor is it monitored by cameras. This environment is designed to provide a more graded experience where progress is met with increasing independence and self-reliance. Although more similar in structure to other independent living and mentoring programs, New Lifestyles intensive clinical supports remain available to the individual and the family.

Transition occurs with a step-by-step process at New Lifestyles. When a student progresses to Phases IV-V, s/he moves from her or his Phase I-III home into either a transition house or apartment. Along with greater independence and privileges such as the opportunity to have a car, the student also incurs greater responsibilities. In this initial stage of transition, while New Lifestyles supports remain available, the student learns to cope and balance the increasing demands of a typical independent young adult lifestyle such as work, school and study time along with social, recreation and health maintenance activities. An essential task during Phases IV and V is planning for New Lifestyles graduation and alumni status.