Youth Residential Treatment VOAMN

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Youth Residential Treatment VOAMN

VOAMN takes on difficult tasks to help people gain self-reliance, dignity and hope.

The Youth Residential Services (YRS) division works with adolescents struggling with their mental health and provides support for their families.

11/04/2025

💞 When Chaplain Mike Rusert steps onto the grounds of the Bar None campus, he brings with him years of experience—and a heart committed to healing, spiritual care, and compassion.
“Spiritual care looks like creating and holding a space for healing, freedom, and creativity,” Mike shares.

🌟 “It’s about shaping an environment—through genuine curiosity and care—where people sense it’s okay for them to be right where they are. People need to know they’re not going to be judged for what they’ve suffered or done.”

🌱 Bar None is one of two VOA MN/WI Youth Residential Services (YRS) campuses that provides a nurturing, skill-building environment where youth navigating emotional and behavioral challenges begin healing from trauma.

📖 Mike’s role at Bar None is a part of his Social Justice Clinical Pastoral Education (SJ CPE) unit. SJ CPE brings together incarcerated men and “outside” students for a transformative educational experience. Students learn together at weekly sessions within Minnesota Correctional Facility-Faribault and put their learnings into action, serving as spiritual care providers either inside the prison or in the community.

🧚 Debra Hoffman, Director of YRS, reflects on Mike’s impact: “He brings a valuable calmness within the day-to-day business of our programs. The way he approaches every person with care and seeks to understand their story without prejudice or judgment is a rare gift—one that most of our residents have never experienced.”

🪶 With every conversation and quiet moment, Mike brings centeredness, compassion, and unconditional acceptance, becoming a beacon of hope for youth navigating their healing journey.

🛤️ Read Full Story Here:
https://bit.ly/4omN8Tu

09/23/2025

Awesome! Some of the books donated will be used for our Book Clubs! Let the reading adventures begin! 💫📚🤩

06/06/2025

🐾 Therapy Dogs Bring Out the Pawsitives in Avanti Teens 🐾

Last year, Avanti, our residential center dedicated to supporting female youth facing mental health challenges, launched a transformative new partnership with Canine Inspired Change (CIC). CIC provides a supportive space to help nurture meaningful connections between humans and animals, drawing inspiration from the unconditional, non-judgmental love dogs give.

Each week, Avanti residents engage with therapy dogs and work together on agility exercises, recall training, mindfulness practices, self-reflection, and group affirmations, aligning with Avanti’s treatment goals.

The excitement on CIC days is highlighted by Avanti’s Program Director, Brian Embrey: "When our residents wake up on the days we host CIC, there are positive vibes with our residents looking forward to something enjoyable and interactive."

A highlight of the visits is when students sit with their eyes closed and use sensory skills to determine which dog takes treats from their hands. This exercise deepens their connections with the dogs, fostering trust and awareness.

Orla, a honey-colored golden retriever has quickly won the hearts of many. "She is so happy and literally goes around to every person to ensure everyone has a dog and makes everyone feel included." - Avanti Resident

Another resident reflects on the profound impact of the program, "Getting the chance to see the same dogs and creating a bond, not only getting to know the dogs but getting to know the owners. It really makes you see life in a different way. Each and every dog puts a smile on my face."

It is truly inspiring to see the healing power of the CIC therapy dogs. It is an example of the impact that compassionate community members can have on young people’s lives. This partnership not only nurtures emotional healing, it also shows Avanti residents how much our community cares about them. Thank you, Canine Inspired Change!

03/20/2025

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02/14/2025

♥️♥️♥️

This Valentine’s Day we’re grateful for you. Your generosity and compassion are the heart of our mission.

08/31/2023

CRTC officially discharged our final resident yesterday. It has been an incredible experience serving the children who needed safety and support in the only locked facility in the state of MN. We thank everyone who has worked here, volunteered, donated and supported CRTC. Thanks for ALL the memories and we hope all our previous residents and staff stay safe and well ❤️

08/10/2023

CRTC staff and kids had their annual summer scavenger hunt today! So much fun was had by all! ❤️

07/07/2023

Congratulations to our YRS July Employee of the Month!

Steph has been a Clinical Coordinator with Avanti for over a year and a half. She joined our team with previous residential and hospital work experience with children and adolescents. Steph has grown a lot as a clinician at Avanti. She is a passionate advocate for our residents and always operates from her social work values and ethics. We appreciate her bubbly personality and energy and always trying to bring fun to groups and activities (or silly staff team builders 🙂). Steph is a team player, jumping into crises or staying late to support. We appreciate you Steph! Your nomination as YRS employee of the month is well deserved! Congrats!

06/15/2023

Happy Thursday! Today from 4-8pm is the CRTC fundraiser with QDOBA in Plymouth! Show them this post and 25% of proceeds will come back to CRTC! Thanks for supporting our program!!

06/05/2023

Today CRTC received a large donation of suitcases and beautiful quilts for our residents! A huge thank you to Hope United Parish: Bethlehem, Bethany, Elk Creek and Grace for your generosity! 💕

05/25/2023

Self-Care day at CRTC! Staff enjoyed a self-care training and some brunch, a self-care basket and massages! We ❤️ our staff!

Address

7625 Metro Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN
55439

Telephone

+19529454000

Website

https://www.voamnwi.org/res-treatment

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