The Omaha Home for Boys
Independent Living Program
“As the twig is bent,
so grows the tree.”
What is The Independent Living Program?
A 15-month comprehensive program that
prepares young adults to become productive
and self-sufficient citizens in the community.
Omaha, Nebraska
Population: 390,000
Mission of The Independent Living Program
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To guide young adults in making the transition from
out-of-home care to living responsible lives as selfsufficient adults.
Omaha Home for Boys Independent Living Program
founded in July 1995.
Agency accreditation received in 1998 from COA.
Independent Living Plan (ILP)
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The key to the program is the ILP,
a written expression of the
resident’s ability to focus on
independent living as the goal of
successful transition.
Includes goals and a detailed plan
for residents.
Residents take an active role in the
development of the ILP.
Each resident will complete a total
of four ILPs during their
participation in the program.
Jacob’s Place
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Jacob’s Place is composed of two
buildings with four apartments each.
Each apartment is double occupancy
totaling a maximum of 8 female and
8 male residents.
Residents reside at Jacob’s Place for
the first 12 weeks of the program and
complete Levels I & II.
Level System
Level I & II Requirements:
„ 12 weeks of residence at Jacob’s Place
„ 12 weeks of Vocational Training
(Mock interviews, resume writing & dress for success)
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12 weeks of Life Skills Courses
(Nutrition, Cooking, Laundry, Abstinence & Budgeting)
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Participation in scheduled fun activities
(Bowling, Skating, Movies, YMCA & Sporting Events)
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Completion of Assessment Tests
(Ansell-Casey, Myers-Briggs, Chaffee & NCIS)
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Completion of 50 hours of Community Service
Eligible for $300 at completion of requirements
Scattered Site Housing
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The Omaha Home for Boys
has partnered with apartment
complexes in Omaha to
provide assistance with
transitioning residents to their
own apartments.
Residents may transition to
scattered site housing after
the first 12 weeks of the
program.
Residents reside in scattered
site housing for one year and
complete Levels III & IV.
Level System, continued
Levels III & IV requirements:
„ Completion of 12 months in Scattered Site Housing
„ Completion of two Independent Living Plans
„ Maintain employment
„ Successful apartment checks
„ Bi-Monthly meetings with Case Manager
„ Completion of Monthly Budget Review
„ Presentation to current Jacob’s Place residents
„ Eligible for $300 at completion of requirements
Educational Opportunities
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GED – Residents that do not have a high school diploma
may work towards receiving their GED while residing at
Jacob’s Place.
Continuing Education – All residents in the program are
encouraged to consider a career and education plan beyond
a high school diploma or GED.
Financial assistance – Residents are eligible for
assistance through financial aid, Omaha Home For Boys
scholarships and Educational Training Voucher funding.
Positive Program Completion
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Positive completion of all
level and program
requirements.
Successful transition into
the community including
the opportunity to assume
current apartment lease.
Identify an alternate
support system for
independence or receive
assistance with alternative
placement options.
Negative Discharge
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Drug or alcohol use
Physical/sexual abuse of resident or staff
Carrying concealed weapons
Failure to comply with program rules
Self-harming behavior
Admission Requirements
Eligibility:
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Any young adult ages 17-21 (at the time of admission) that is motivated
to be a part of the program
State Wards & Former State Wards
Private Placements
Has completed high school, received GED or interested in receiving GED
Individuals over age of 19 may self refer
Young adults under 19 years of age need a parent or legal guardian’s
permission to apply
Admission Requirements,
continued
Special Circumstances requiring individual consideration:
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Resident in need of 24-hour care
Severe developmental disabilities
Criminal history
In need of psychiatric or drug/alcohol
dependency therapy
Admission Process
Interested individuals must:
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Attend an Informational Session and tour of
Jacob’s Place
Complete Independent Living Admission Packet
(Application & Social History)
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Interview with OHB Admissions Department
Complete an OHB psychological evaluation and/or
chemical dependency evaluation
Supply necessary legal documentation
(Birth Certificate, State ID & Social Security Card)
Program Schedule
2008
February 4
June 2
October 6
Independent Living Team
Program Manager
Case Managers
Vocational Trainer
Job Developer
Administrative Assistant
Support Staff
(weekend, evening & overnight)
The Omaha Home for Boys
Independent Living Program Website
www.omahahomeforboys.org
Click on core programs, Transitional Living
Independent Living Program Manager
Darryl Summers
(402) 457-7195
Independent Living Program Admissions
(402) 457-7000