Program Eligibility: Males, Females ages 6 through 18th birthday

Program Description: Alternative House is a place where children and youth can receive temporary shelter and safely work through family problems that have separated them. Boys and girls, ages 6 up to age 18, may have endured abuse or neglect, or may have been homeless, a runaway, or have been pushed out of their home. Whatever the cause, they are in crisis. They may be scared and lonely, have serious problems and limited resources to deal with them.  While at the emergency shelter, youth receive individual, group and family counseling; transportation to and from their home school every day of the school year; and recreation. Efforts are made to resolve the situation that brought them to Alternative House.

Above - Residents volunteer at local flood relief headquarters

Follow-up calls have been made since 1992 to determine the outcomes for kids after they leave. In 2005, 99% were reported as doing well or moderately well 51% were back home 97% were in school 48% were in counseling. Outcome measures done from 1998-2004 by an outside consultant indicated that Alternative House achieved the highest satisfaction and concluded that "The Crisis Center (Alternative House) provides a safe and therapeutic place for children to be placed temporarily."

Click here to read a service example (pdf).

Alternative House provides time and space to think, find alternatives and make choices. Supportive staff, professional counseling, and problem-solving help can make the difference in a young life. Our goal is to set youth on a path to a happier future.  After all, you only get to be a child...once.

.

Above - A residential staff member supervises an arts & crafts lesson with residents

Employment Opportunities: Yes (click here for job listings)

Volunteers Needed: Contact Bill Robinsonfor specific volunteer requests.

                             (click here for volunteer opportunities from our other programs)

Donations Needed: Yes, click here  (pdf format) for our latest wish list.

To donate, contact Interim Program Coordinator William Robinson at 219-938-7070

Photo Gallery: Click here to view.

For More Information or a Site Visit: E-mail William Robinson

Contact Info. for Alternative House: Call 219-938-7070, option 1 - (24 hrs).

Fax: 219-938-7503

Below - A panoramic view of the newly-expanded Alternative House wing.

Program Coordinator Spotlight-

William "Bill" Robinson is our new Interim Program Coordinator for Alternative House.  He also serves as a Counselor, and has been with the center since 1987.