REACH (Regional Education Assessment Crisis Services Habilitation) is Virginia’s statewide, regionally-based support to meet the crisis needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. The REACH Youth Crisis Therapeutic Home (YCTH) is Easterseals PORT Health’s crisis stabilization program for young people who have been diagnosed with a development disability and a mental health disorder. Our therapeutic home offers an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization. We provide social-emotional learning and psychoeducation to each guest and their family.
Jay and the REACH – YCTH Walkway
Recently, our Youth Crisis Therapeutic Home launched a meaningful and collaborative project that beautifully reflects the spirit of Virginia REACH. The project was spearheaded by Jay, the YCTH nurse, youth residents and other members of the YCTH team, who worked together to create a “Walkway to Safety”.
The idea to create a walkway emerged during safety discussions about a rear office door used during risk of elopement (trying to leave the home without permission). The team also recognized that access to this area was often impeded by muddy areas in the grass.
From these discussions, The Walkway to Safety was brought to life. Inspired by the Hollywood Walk of Fame, guests are invited to decorate a pavement tile as a personalized tribute to their achievement and hard work while at the YCTH. The decorated tile is then added to the walkway allowing each guest to leave their artistic mark on the home forever while receiving recognition and a sense of pride.
The Walkway to Safety plays several critical roles:
- It’s a therapeutic, hands on activity that gives youth and team members an opportunity to create something for the YCTH that will last forever.
- It provides a safe, guided path during elopement risks.
- Most importantly, it’s a creative symbol of safety, belonging and teamwork created by the very people who live and work in the home every day.
The Walkway to Safety brings color, vibrancy and warmth around the YCTH home. This life-changing project has resulted in a wonderful reminder of how creativity and collaboration can positively transform a physical space for those who have experienced crisis. The YCTH Walkway to Safety looks amazing and is a hit with youth, guests and Easterseals PORT Health team members alike.
Learn more about Virginia REACH at eastersealsport.com/va-reach.
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Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, mental health and substance use services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
