Contact Us:

Telephone during business hours: 516.379.8251
Fax 516.379.3914

24 Hour Runaway Hotline: 516.679.1111

WALKABOUT FOR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN
Started in 1974 out of a community need to house and help adolescents who are homeless and in crisis, Walkabout for Young Men and Women is a transitional house in Freeport, serving homeless adolescents. It provides ten young people (ages 16 - 20) with short-term shelter and services for up to eighteen months in order to prepare them for living independently in the community.

Residence in the program is voluntary. Residents are expected to fulfill the guidelines of the program and actively plan for either living independently in the community or returning home to their family. Walkabout for Young Men and Women does not discriminate because of race, creed or national origin.

Resident Guidelines
While at Walkabout for Young Men and Women, a resident:

• Is employed on a full-time basis or is involved in a vocational training program that will lead to full-time employment, or;
• Is completing school and is willing to work on a part-time basis
• Participates in acquiring skills for independent living (for example, cooking, shopping, etc.)
• Budgets and saves money for his or her next living situation
• Learns to accept responsibility for his or her behavior through daily activities (for example, chores, curfews, etc.)

Services

• Vocational and education planning, assessment and assistance
• Individual and group counseling on a weekly basis.
• Family intervention whenever possible
• Group projects and recreational activities
• Medical and mental health resources are made available
• Aftercare services include supportive counseling, referral services, and scholarship assistance.

Screening

• A prospective resident can be accepted into the house after being interviewed by Walkabout for Young Men and Women staff
• The screening includes interviews, dinner at the house and a case presentation by the referring person
• A referral to the house can be made by a family member, by the young person or by an interested professional
• A screening can be arranged by calling the social worker at 516.379.8251, Monday through Friday

Certification
Walkabout for Young Men and Women is certified by the Office of Children and Family Services as a transitional residence for homeless youth. Services are provided in accordance with the New York State Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.

Volunteers
There are many opportunities to help the young people at Walkabout for Young Men and Women. Please refer to Family and Children's Association's volunteer opportunities on this website by clicking here: Volunteer Opportunities

Walkabout for Young Men and Women is funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Nassau County Youth Board, Nassau Department of Housing, United Way of Long Island, and private contributions from concerned individuals and the business community

 "We are Family and Children's Association, the human service network of Long Island.
We protect and strengthen children, youth, adults, families, seniors and communities."

Adolescents, Case Management, DSS referrals, DSS support, Emancipation

Foster care, Groups, Home skills, Homeless, Independent living skills

Money management, PINS, Residential, Return to parents, Supportive services

Teenagers, Transitional services, Vocational, Workshops, Youth services