The PRN Story:
PRN for Families was founded and developed in December 2003 by Charles Elias, owner and operator of the program.

Charles has a long history and interest in providing family preservation services. Back in 1988, while in graduate school at University of Denver, he undertook an independent study focused on implementing the family preservation model with families on welfare. He received formal training through the Homebuilders Program, which is now part of the Institute for Family Development in Federal Way, WA.

Charles was motivated to design and implement this program following his three year tenure working as a field therapist in a reputable wilderness program. He was diligent in tracking his clients and quickly learned that there was a significant gap in services during a student's transition from a wilderness setting back to their home environment. As a result he was eager to develop the tools and resources to enable students and their families to have a seamless transition home. He has modified this well-grounded model to serve youth and families of today.

Independent Living/ College Transition:
As adolescents move into young adulthood, it is natural that they look for opportunities to live independently of their families. Leaving the cushiness of home is usually the last step taken before officially joining the adult world. However, this transition may be more complicated for young adults who lack the experiences, skills or confidence to take that step.

Young adults are faced with new situations, most of which have little to do with what is taught in high school or college. Becoming self-reliant can be frightening and for some immobilizing. It's not easy! Dealing with adult issues such as managing money, with adult issues such as managing money, maintaining your own living space, taking care of personal needs, preparing food, caring for clothing, using transportation, going to class and/or work all combine to put serious strain on a person.

Recognizing this challenge, PRN for Families is introducing Independent/ College Transition services to help young adults make the transition from relying on their parents and family to an independent living situation.

PRN For Families provides a stepping stone to enable a smooth transition during this process. The program works with the whole client system to provide tools and support necessary for a successful emancipation. It is structured with a high level of accountability, yet community-based, which means we go into the community versus the client going outside to receive the services. PRN is customized to meet the needs of the client, and specifically designed for clients who have exhausted the more traditional services.

PRN For Families offers services such as Family Preservation Services (Students who have never left home), Family Reunification, Home from School (Therapeutic Support for high risk students/families in traditional schools and at home during school breaks), Networking Services, Emancipation/ Life skills Training, Supervised Living Situations, Family Assessments, Parenting Strategies/ Support (Love and Logic Model), Communication Skills Training, Behavior Management Techniques, School Interventions, Relapse Prevention, Random Drug Testing, Case Management/Consultation, Concrete and Advocacy Services, Customized Programming Unique to Your Situation.