The Coast News Group
Cutline: New Haven Youth Services will host its annual gala on Oct. 9 at Coyote Bar & Grill in Carlsbad. The money raised will help provide programming and services for potential at-risk boys in North County. Photo courtesy New Haven Youth Services.
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New Haven provides tools for at-risk kids

CARLSBAD — It is a proactive approach to help at-risk boys.

New Haven Youth & Family Services provides resources, tools and commitment to ensure teenagers stay on the right track and deliver positive pathways. And on Oct. 9, New Haven will host its “Restoring Hope Fundraiser” at 6 p.m. at Coyote Bar & Grill in Carlsbad with a goal of raising $200,000.

Chris Kates, community relations director at New Haven, said the school receives some public funds but is private and helps young boys, who need extra support to meet social, academic and emotional needs with an educational focus on computer science, vocation, culinary arts and construction through project-based learning.

In addition, the school has been transforming lives for at-risk youth through an innovative and comprehensive therapeutic education model.

“We provide academic and therapeutic services (for those) that are considered at- risk youth, Kates said. “We are in the business of helping young men connect the dots between their academics and the real world.”

The model includes social, emotional and behavioral intervention, career technical education and life skills development with a targeted academic curriculum. The goal is to equip the boys with the tools to become self-confident, independent and ultimately hopeful about their future success and personal fulfillment.

As for the fundraiser, Kates said all the money generated will go to programming and services for the school.

“They need more support than they can get at home,” he added. “They are at-risk of not being productive in society. They are not on a criminal track, but they struggle with their behaviors and social skills and we have to teach them what’s appropriate.”

Kates said New Haven uses education, life and a work-skills development model to encourage innovation and a more comprehensive program. New Haven contracts with more than 50 Southern California school districts to engage youth that have been unsuccessful in public schools. The resource center offers daily student curriculum and a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a week “live-in” residential treatment program in 12 residences throughout Vista, Oceanside and San Marcos.

In addition, New Haven provides transitional living support to young adults who face limited options as they transition from supervised care to independent living.

“When we can help them connect those dots, their motivation goes up and they feel success,” Kates said. “A lot of them have had a lack of success and we can get traction and redeem their perspective on school.”