The Center for Children’s Transitional Living Program assists runaway and homeless youths in El Paso County make a successful transition into adulthood through a program of transitional housing, independent living skills training, and supportive services.

The program, known as “Passages,” has served more than 250 youths since its creation in 1992.  More than half of these youths were living independently after leaving the program, and about one-third had been reunited with their family of origin.  A federal peer review team has cited Passages as a national model program. 

Passages is a community-based effort involving the Center and several formal and informal partners, including public agencies, schools and training institutes, employers and social service providers.  The program can serve up to 28 youths at any one time.  Housing is provided in two group homes that can house up to twelve homeless teen mothers and 16 infant children. 

Members of the Passages staff provide case management, counseling, life-skills training and linkage to support services for these youths.  Positive youth development principles are integral to all aspects of the program, from initial intake and assessment to post-graduation support and encouragement.

Independent living skills training is based on the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment and curriculum.  The Region XIX Headstart Program provides Early Start pre-school services for all our teen parents’ infant children.  Our other community partners provide secondary education, vocational training, and community service and employment opportunities.  Health, mental health, and substance abuse education and treatment are also provided directly and through collaborative relationships.

This program receives annual financial support from the United Way of El Paso County, the City of El Paso, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the US Department of Health and Human Services.

El Paso Center for Children, Inc. © 2005