Philosophy
Many young adults struggle launching into independence. Challenges in today’s society can be difficult and overwhelming to navigate successfully. At Aloft Transitions, we have found that a combination of supportive, positive, caring relationships and strength-focused opportunities provide our clients with the tools and experiences to overcome these challenges and achieve increased maturity and personal success. Each client’s program is customized to his or her individual needs within the basic framework of Aloft’s program schedule. While each program consists of the same combination of components, these components are organized into a weekly schedule unique to each client. Emphasis is placed on those components most needed by that client. For example, a student attending college full-time would design his weekly schedule around his class schedule and may only work or volunteer a few hours per week while a client who is not in school may work twenty or more hours per week. Program Values & Components
Aloft Transitions program is centered around a blend of essential components which are individualized and customized according to each participant’s needs and goals. These components are based on the four hallmarks of authentic maturity: emotional intelligence, character and a sense of ethics, strength discovery, and leadership perspective. These elements are integral to each participant's weekly schedule and form the framework for all Aloft programming. Mature, healthy adults live lives that don’t just revolve around themselves. Aloft focuses on developing an extrinsic lifestyle where participant’s learn to add value to their community with personal vision, responsibility, compassion and initiative. These characteristics are emphasized through the following components:
•Gratitude focus
•Graduated group leadership responsibilities
•Networking and guest lecturers
•Required reading and discussion
•Entrepreneurship exposure
Program Milieu
Aloft focuses on each client’s personal development and readiness for independence. We also assist our clients in functioning optimally with their family, peer relationships and community, as well as helping them develop healthy living habits. Aloft’s life skills and personal development assessment focuses on client’s skills and abilities in the following areas:
•Self-care (hygiene, diet, exercise, sleep habits, vitamins/medication)
•Behavioral (personal safety, physical/verbal control, attitude/manners)
•Self-Image (developing a positive and realistic view of oneself in the world)
•Emotional management (establishing a stable mood state, expressing emotions in a safe and respectful manner)
•Coping skills (handling life stressors in a healthy manner, self-soothing when upset)
•Needs/Goals (understanding personal needs and desires, and demonstrating the ability to set personal benchmarks for progress)
•Values and attributes (clarifying the qualities that give life meaning)
•Responsibility for one’s home and living environment
•Work ethic and personal integrity
•Interpersonal relationships (demonstrating effective social skills)
•Family relationships (improving or healing relationships to significant family members)
•Community involvement and community service
Within the milieu we also focus on assessing developmental readiness of each client in order to determine which areas they may need mentoring and coaching in order to function at an age-appropriate and independent level. Treatment Planning
An individualized treatment plan is developed for each client covering all of the above areas. Parents, staff and the client complete assessment interviews which are also incorporated into the overall plan. The client is assisted in recognizing areas where they are already successful and are demonstrating age appropriate development, and are helped to determine areas of need where their functioning is less mature and in need of further development. The treatment plan is established with specific goals to help the client learn and practice the skills that they are deficient in. Through this process clients are assisted in moving into a more mature and independent level of functioning. Therapy Services
Each client participates in one group and one individual therapy session weekly. Therapy is designed to educate clients regarding healthy functioning and helping clients resolve issues which may have interfered with their development and weekly progress. Additional Therapy is available upon request and may also be expressed by Aloft Transitions as needed. Activities and daily life in the milieu at Aloft Transitions allow clients to practice the skills they are learning. Each client has an individual therapist who is responsible for coordinating their treatment plan and maintaining communication with the family. Family therapy (phone and face to face) allows the client to improve communication with the family and resolve issues of conflict. Many clients come to Aloft having difficulty managing their emotional states of anger, depression and anxiety. They are assisted through group therapy in being better able to manage difficult emotions and maintain successful relationships. Groups focus on teaching emotional management, communication and conflict resolution skills, and values clarification. Values Clarification
At Aloft we believe that clients also need support in identifying the internal values which will help guide them through life. We maintain a respect for the diversity of the cultural, philosophical and spiritual values each client brings with him or her, and we strive to help them identify, explore and integrate the values that will help them be most successful and happy in life. Aloft’s Program Values are:
•Honesty
•Integrity
•Team Work
•Trust
•Responsibility
•Work Ethic
•Relationships
•Respect
•Initiative
•Kindness
•Confidence
•Leadership
In addition to preparing the clients for college through Aloft Academy, educational plans can provide dual enrollment options for college credits while finishing high school. Those who have completed high school receive educational support. Aloft has appointed a professional committed to supporting clients in this area. The Boise area has many college options including but not limited to: BSU, CWI, NNU, TVCC, etc. Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering is an integral part of our clients experience. Group service opportunities: Aloft clients participate in projects associated with various non-profit organizations and State and Federal groups. Such as the World center of Birds of Prey, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, State Commission of Libraries, etc. Aloft utilize volunteerism to help develop employment skills and work ethic. Volunteering is used as a resume builder for future employment when our clients have not had any previous work experience. These opportunities also teach stewardship in how we care for our environment and how we utilize and share resources. Our goal is that this teaches our clients how to look outside their own preferences, learn new skills and abilities, and teach them the value of serving others. Vocational Support and Resume building
Each new Client is given a career assessment (if one has not been done recently) to determine their interests, aptitudes, and “likes” from past work experiences. Based on this assessment the treatment team helps each client set specific goals and move toward individual success in volunteering and finding appropriate work opportunities. Our staff mentors are trained to work with and help each client have success in the path they choose or have interest in. Additional Therapeutic Services
Aloft also provides Psychiatric services through a local psychiatrist for medication management and other services as needed. Social and Life Skills
Aloft participants learn the life skills critical to independence with support of staff. Clients receive guidance in establishing a residence and how to maintain a clean, orderly living area. Clients also work with staff mentors in the planning and preparation of nutritionally balanced meals and creating a shopping list. Mentors coach clients on food selection and managing a food budget. All expenses and spending are closely monitored. As clients demonstrate responsible financial management they gain increased control and access to their finances. Personal Health and Fitness
Believing that physical fitness and recreation are vital components to leading a happy, healthy life, our clients are required to join the local gym where they have access to a personal trainer who helps them set and attain reasonable
fitness goals. The facility offers a full range of cardiovascular and resistance training equipment, nutrition instruction and other specialty classes. The community has two swimming pools and a variety of other extra-curricular activities, including the sports complex with an indoor soccer field, skate park and batting cages. Aloft staff work out alongside clients, helping with motivation and support. Outdoor Recreation
Abundant opportunities are also available for outdoor recreation during program organized weekend adventure trips. Activities include hiking, backpacking, white water rafting, kayaking, biking, fishing, rock climbing and caving. Some trips or activities result in additional fees. (Please refer to the tuition section of this website for more information about trip costs
