Members Announce Formation of YATA

The Young Adult Transition Association announced its formation at the IECA conference in Boston on May 2. The vision of YATA is to provide a forum for the collaboration on issues of mutual concern, including young adult issues, operational issues, and other aspects related to providing young adult transitional services.

Founding members are AIM House, Benchmark Transitions, Dragonfly Transitions, Echo Springs Transition Study Center, Fulshear Ranch Academy, and SFYI International School.

Directors of the various programs introduced themselves and answered questions from consultants about YATA. Hopefully, there will be a panel discussion at a future conference that allows for more detailed discussion of the goals and direction the organization is taking. Members have been meeting since October 2011 to work towards a collaborative approach in which information and ideas can be shared. Also, a website is being planned to further educate the public about the member programs and activities of YATA. Ways to include other organizations are currently being discussed. For further information directors of the programs may be contacted through their organization.

If you have any questions about the organization, contact: Daniel Conroy at: 720 289-1525

AIM House is a transitional program in Boulder, CO, designed to help its residents gain the educational, occupational, social, and psychological skills necessary to successfully move into adulthood and integrate into the community. www.aimhouse.com

Benchmark Transitions is a residential transitional living program for young adult men and women, providing clinical treatment, recovery, aftercare, education, and life skills. www.benchmarktransitions.com

Dragonfly Transitions is a transitional living program for young men and women between the ages of 18 and 24, who struggle with motivation and the ability to gain and sustain employment or have self-destructive and self-harming behaviors. www.dragonflytransitions.com

Echo Springs Transition Study Center is a post-graduate transitional program for young adults age 18 to 24, who are struggling with personal failure, exhibit patterns of isolation, have had unsuccessful college experiences and have the need to create direction in their lives and positive relationships with peers and adults. www.echosprings.net

Fulshear Ranch Academy is a young adult treatment and transition program for women ages 18 through 24 experiencing emotional and behavioral issues that could prevent a safe transition to independence. www.fulshearranchacademy.com

SFYI International School is a coed program for 10 students per semester, ages 16-20, and either in the 11th or 12th grade of high school, seeking a semester abroad or taking a year off between high school and college. www.sfyi.org