:: Patchwork ::
Patchwork is a crisis shelter for runaway and homeless youth ages 11-18. Any youth in the community may call or come to Patchwork anytime day or night. Two counselors are always on shift to provide crisis counseling, food, clothing, shelter, security, and individual, group and family counseling.

Youth and parents are welcome to call or stop by Patchwork anytime for advice or referrals to other services in the community.

Last year Patchwork served 512 youth. 192 spent at least one night and 2,608 meals were served.

Patchwork is located at 1583 Lee Street in the East End about a block from the Kanawha County Board of Education.

:: Turning Point ::
Turning Point operates two group homes in the Charleston area for youth ages 15-21 in the custody of the state of West Virginia. Turning Point youth go to school, have part time jobs, and learn skills such as cooking, basic household cleaning, basic money management, and living with others in a family-like setting.

Turning Point's focus is on youth who are aging out of the state's child welfare system.

Turning Point residents leave the program to go to college, the military, independent living, or return to a family setting. Last year Turning Point served 46 youth.

:: New Connections :: Independent Living ::
The New Connections Independent Living program is for older youth (17-21) who are in the custody of the state, or who are homeless.

New Connections has five on-site apartments which it rents to youth who are working and going to school. Residents maintain their own apartments, buy groceries, prepare their own meals, and manage their own money. New Connections staff provides help in setting up the apartment, support, and twenty-four hour a day supervision.

When the resident is ready to move into his or her own apartment in the community, New Connections staff helps in finding and setting up an appropriate apartment, helps with startup costs, and then visits at least three times a week, continuing the support and encouragement. Last year New Connections served 132 youth.

New Connections is located at 1592 Washington Street East, Suite 2 on the East End, about two and a half blocks from the State Capitol.

:: New Connections :: GED ::
New Connections offers a GED lab for youth ages 16-21 who are interested in studying for their GED. The lab is open from 8:00 - 4:00 Monday through Thursday with a full time educator who works with students individually as well as collectively. A life skills / job skills counselor is available for help with resume writing, interviewing skills, transportation, career awareness activities, and job availability information. A case manager assists students with other areas such as parenting issues, information and referral, housing problems, health issues, etc.

Special Support Groups include Teen Moms, "Fresh Start", a substance abuse program, Rainbow Connections, a suport group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth, and Life Skills.

New Connections also provides food, clothing, case management, and crisis counseling to residents and students.

New Connections is located at 1592 Washington Street East, Suite 2 on the East End about two and half blocks from the State Capitol.

DAYMARK is excited to announce the inception of its newst program, a Drop In Center. The idea os creating a place where young adults can come and "hang out" came after assessing the need for positive and safe recreation. It is our hope that by offering a Drop In Center, we will be able to see a noticeable difference in youth gatherings such as the mall, under the bridge, and the infmaous transit area. Coming to our Drop In Center will lead to young adults getting the support they need, meeting new people, and having access to a wide range of resources.

Our Drop In Center will be available for young adults ages 16 - 21 every Friday at New Connections. Young Adults will have access to computers, gaming, as well as other recreational and leisure activities. At noon each Friday, we will provide a free hot lunch. On alternate Fridays, consultation with a nurse will be available, free of charge. An hour each Friday will be dedicated to hot topics such as "Let's talk about sex," and "Money, money, money" to empower young adults to live a healthy and positive lifestyle. it is our hope that these resources will not only be beneficial to participants but also increase self esteem, awareness, and self worth.