New Directions

New Directions serves teenage wards of the state, assisting them in their transition to adulthood and independence. New Directions uses theater arts to help develop their self-esteem, self-respect, and work skills. This program also enhances their survival skills and helps then to prepare for self-sufficiency through job readiness in preparation for their transition to independent/semi-independent living.

Participant Evaluations:

I have learned that every chicken has its feathers and as a chicken grows, some feathers may fall out. And new ones shall grow in. The program has helped me to realize not to fret over lost feathers, but to recognize the blessing of the feathers I have left.

How should I start? Really didn’t have no friend. Came here, felt like I had a home….

I learned that everybody has transitions and it helped me to understand I don’t have to change to fit everybody else, I can be myself. In the beginning I was always trying to fit in with the girls at my school. Now, in the end, I don’t care how they feel about me because I am me.