Bonnie Brae’s Aftercare Program

Bonnie Brae’s continuum of care is designed to help boys heal from crisis and grow gradually to independence. A key component of this continuum is our Aftercare Program, which was developed to help Bonnie Brae graduates continue the hard fought success achieved on campus as they return to their home communities or navigate the challenges of living on their own. Young men who have have aged out of the child welfare system and completed all residential living options are statistically our most vulnerable population. These are young men from severely broken family backgrounds, typically ages 18-24, who find themselves dealing with the adult world without a support system. It can be difficult navigating the world as a young man, however, not having any familial support can be devastating. A study conducted by the Chapin Hill Center for Children at the University of Chicago revealed that children without a connection to a caring adult are left vulnerable to adverse situations. For some of our boys, we are the only source of stable support they have ever known - we are like a family to them.  When the boys are on campus, they learn how to trust, communicate, learn, and grow friendships.  Our Aftercare Program continues the relationship between a young man and trusted staff member, once he graduates. The program helps young men on their journey into adulthood by providing guidance and emotional support as they navigate the challenges of living of living on their own, becoming established in the community, and finding employment. They also provide resources for the young men to manage their physical and mental health, build support systems, and identify community connections. The right guidance can be transformative for these young men and can help them to succeed and to thrive as independent adults. Accredited by the Joint Commission, Bonnie Brae is one of the nation's preeminent residential treatment centers for at-risk adolescent boys who have been neglected, abused, or abandoned. We provide a safe place for boys and young men in crisis, ages 8-21, a place for them to heal, to learn and to grow. We have helped over 10,000 boys and families since our founding in 1916. Please contact us today to learn how you can make a positive difference in a young man’s life.