Treatment Components
PEAKS (Pairing Experience and Knowledge Sequentially)
What?
Through a carefully planned sequence of experiences,
children learn about themselves, their impact on others
and how to successfully interact with their environment
How?
All boys participate in PEAKS within their first 90
days at Bonnie Brae 2 hours per day, 4 days per week for
approximately 6 weeks. Graduation from the program
requires competency in the following:
- Problem Solving
- Practical Skills
- Community Service
- Creativity
- Adventure
Why?
The PEAKS approach to experiential learning is one of
encouraging participants to learn how to learn
WEP (Work Experience Program)
What?
Preparing children for meaningful employment
How?
Children learn and practice marketable job skills such
as carpentry, roofing, painting, and landscaping.
Projects are designed to teach planning, organization,
and delay of gratification. Supervised work sites exist
throughout the agency’s 100 acres. All participants save
75% of their earning to support their transition from
Bonnie Brae to the community.
Why?
- To recognize that job success is as much about getting along with others as it is about having job skills
- To negotiate the realities of employment and possibly experience failure in a supportive environment, where second, third, and fourth chances are part of the process
- To develop a sense of mastery in one's life that promotes healthy problem solving, productive communication skills, and improved self-esteem
Community Service
What?
During their stay at Bonnie Brae, all boys participate
in community service projects.
How?
- Visits to senior citizen homes for birthday parties, arts and crafts, puppet shows
- Environmental awareness such as river clean-ups, Appalachian Trail work, park clean-ups and on-grounds recycling
- Helping others by working in soup kitchens, food banks and clothing drives
Why?
Participation in community service provides each boy
with opportunities to:
- Give back to the community
- Develop a sense of responsibility for environment/ community
- Expand view of self to include helping and giving characteristics
- Display behavior that is productive and appreciated
- Expand and develop ability to be empathic
Health Office
What?
The philosophy of the Health Office is to create an
environment where comprehensive medical services are
provided that meet each individual's health care needs
while establishing an ongoing therapeutic relationship.
How?
Emphasis is placed on well child care, development,
preventive health and serious medical concerns.
- Psychiatric services include comprehensive evaluations, monthly assessments and medication monitoring
- Pediatric services include physical examinations, immunizations and treatment of medical concerns
- Nursing services include assessments, medication administration, health education and coordinating health screens
- Dietary services and nutritional assessments are provided