New Connections offers its  9 week Fast TRACK program, focusing on preparing students for the TASC exam, for post-secondary transition into CTC (Community and Technical College) and 4 year colleges.  Brush up on academic skills, explore careers, and participate in field trips to local post-secondary institutions. Classes run Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and are open to anyone in the community who is 17-24 years old.

For young adults who would like to work on the TASC at their own pace, they may wish to enroll in alternative classes offered Monday-Thursday from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.  This class is available to anyone (with or without a high school diploma) who wishes to participate in job development classes, upgrade computer skills with IC3 training, retail skills with customer service training, and learn how to write a resume and cover letter providing an upper hand in the job market!

New Connections also operates a Transitional Living program for youth who are in the custody of the state or who are homeless. Youth live in supervised apartments and are required to have jobs and work on educational goals while saving money and learning the skills needed to live on their own. The supervised apartments are in the New Connections building. Each youth has his/her own apartment and lives alone unless s/he has an infant or child. There are six apartments in the building. Five are for residents and the other is for staff. The Transitional Living Coordinator or program relief staff is on-site 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and available to youth should they need assistance.

Residents pay rent. The amount is determined based on the client’s ability to pay and the size apartment s/he is occupying. Residents are required to keep their apartments clean and learn how to cook basic nutritional meals, make budgets, manage their own time and money, comparison shop, pay their rent and bills on time, secure and maintain employment, access day care, medical care, or other services if needed. After four to six months in supervised apartments, staff help youth find their own apartments and help them set up those apartments with sheets, towels, dishes, pots and pans, etc. Staff also help the residents move and continue to provide case management and other needed services three times a week.

The New Connections Independent Living Program serves youth who are homeless or who are in the custody of the state.  Youth must be at least 16 years of age and must be willing to have an education and employment plan while they are at New Connections.  Youth who are runaway and homeless (and under the age of 18) must have parental permission to live at New Connections.  Youth who are in custody must have had a successful placement for at least six months prior to admission.  Youth who are firestarters, sexual offenders at risk to offend again or convicted felons are not generally admitted.

When an appropriate youth indicates interest, and there is an apartment available, an interview is set up as soon as possible.  If the youth is appropriate, they may move in as soon as the apartment can be readied.  If there is no apartment available, they may be put on a waiting list.  Youth who are in dangerous situations may be referred to a shelter until there is an available apartment.

New Connections Education Program will accept new students every Friday between 9:00 am – 12: 00 pm.  Upon entry, students will be assessed and placed in the class that best meets their needs. The classes are free, but class size is limited to 8 students per program and pre-registration is required.