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We are a level nine Group Home with beds for six young men ages 12 to 18 years. Our boys come to us from Social Services and are wards of the court. Generally speaking they are abused and/or neglected. We are able to take emergency as well as long term placements. The average length of stay for our long term boys is 1-1/2 years. Most of our boys are able to attend our local schools, however some are in need of special schooling and if necessary are bussed as far away as Pleasant Hill. We offer individual counseling, group counseling, and anger management sessions. In addition we provide on site tutoring with a private tutor to help the boys achieve passing grades.
We have a strong cadre of experienced long term employees who pull together to offer consistent care and supervision. The boys are given chores and responsibilities and we encourage self help. |
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| Program: |
The ratio of trained staff to residents is three residents to one staff member The residents are trained in the home with a program of reality therapy coupled with goal orientated behavior modification methods. The resident is held accountable for his behavior and appropriate consequences for behaviors are applied, |
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| Privileged Activities: |
As the residents become more responsible and gain sufficient self-control, they are encouraged to participate in various privileged activities, which include extracurricular school activities (sports, music, school clubs), Boy Scouts, YMCA, Little League baseball, Soccer League, and 4-H Club. |
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| Spiritual /Religious Needs: |
Participation in a church of the resident’s choice is encouraged, and contact is made with the Pastor or staff of their chosen church to establish a contact person for the resident. |
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| Therapy: |
Group counseling is provided in an effort to teach the residents how to handle their day-to-day living problems appropriately. Group living and family values are a big part of the group’s focus.
Each resident is also required to participate in one-to-one therapeutic counseling. Staff members maintain close contact with the therapists and share situations occurring in the home that may be relevant to the therapeutic process. |
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| Education/Vocational Training: |
Academic instruction for residents is the responsibility of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School. District. Close interaction and cooperation between the staff and the school authorities ensures that the best school program is developed for each resident. Regular personalized tutoring helps the residents achieve success in their school program. Transportation to and from school is furnished by the group home.
Work projects at the Ranch are one way in which residents learn basic vocational skills. Some of the skills learned are the ability to follow instructions, the discipline needed to complete a job, the ability to use basic hand tools, safe work habits, the ability to start a job on time and finish it promptly, and the self-confidence that comes from doing a job right.
Although some vocational training is offered by the public schools, it is usually not available to our residents because they are so far behind academically. They must take so many classes that there is no time left for the vocational training. Under these circumstances, the emphasis is on graduation. |
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| Home Living Skills: |
Residents are responsible for keeping their rooms neat, safe, and clean. Residents are assigned chores that are necessary to the smooth operation of the group home, including washing and drying dishes; sweeping and moping floors; vacuuming rugs; basic yard work; assisting in food preparation; washing, drying, and ironing clothes; and basic home maintenance. The chores are rotated each week so everyone learns to do them all and no one is stuck with an undesirable task. |
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| Recreation: |
Recreation at Buenas Vidas takes many forms. Residents play games such as chess, checkers, Monopoly, Risk or Clue. Outdoor activities include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, playing with the pets, and playing ball. Television viewing is kept to a minimum but is allowed during free time in the evenings. Weekend field trips are scheduled about once each month. |
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Buenas Vidas Thrift Store, 116 N. "L" Street (at the corner of Railroad street) Livermore CA.94550 - 925/449-1177 |
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