There were very few best practice models for independent living when Vita Nova came into existence. The Vita Nova residential campus was created primarily to offer young adults age's (is aged a better choice here?) 18-25 space to practice independent living while living in a safe and caring environment.
We have discovered that when a young adult is allowed to learn and practice independent living skills with positive role models, rather than with their peer group, they are better able to succeed. Their success offers great benefits and savings for society. The Vita Nova program has three components, the Life Skills Program, the Rites of Passage Program and the Virtues Program. Each is critical to the development and preparation of young people for adulthood.
1. Life Skills Program
The Life Skills Program at Vita Nova exists to teach our residents the tools necessary to live a life as a successful - independent adult. Our life skills program designs goals involving each resident and includes the five pillars of independence. These pillars are:
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• Education - enrolling in school, changing school goals, researching post secondary schools, or enrolling in an adult education center are all objectives of this pillar.
• Vocational -finding a career path, exploring the military, discovering a trade, or finding employment are all objectives of this pillar.
• Health & Wellness -fitness, exercise, diet, nutrition, cooking, hygiene, and maintaining medical appointments are all objectives of this pillar.
• Social/ Emotional Health - individual or group counseling sessions, medication, conflict resolution, critical thinking skills, and sexual health are all objectives of this pillar.
• Financial - budgeting, spending, saving, debt management, banking, and planning for the future are all objectives of this pillar.
Our Life skills material is presented to our residents using a number of methods.
Guest Speakers - using the experience and knowledge from volunteers in the community is one of the methods we use to enhance skills for residents. Our life skills material can be taught utilizing the mistakes and successes of others to help steer young adults in the right direction.
Group Format - The life skills material is also taught using a classic classroom setting. Residents are allow to brainstorm and function within small groups to problem solve and learn.
Field Trips - Sometimes using a tangible approach to teach life skills is the most effective.
Teaching life skills while on location allows youth to experience new opportunities in real time thus reinforcing principals from the classroom.
One-on-One Sessions - We have found that each resident adopts the life skills material at their own pace and on their own terms. For these residents we have found that teaching individual sessions is the most effective approach.
2. Rites of Passage Program
The Rites of Passage Program at Vita Nova was created because it became clear that we needed another level of support and celebration for residents achieved certain milestones leading towards independence and greater self-esteem. Many of the residents that come to Vita Nova are deprived of certain Rites of Passage events and ceremonies in their life (usually through no fault of their own). Examples of Rites of Passage events or ceremonies include:
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• High School Graduation
• Opening a Bank Account
• Getting the First Job
• Moving out of Home
• Going on a date
• Getting a Credit Card
• Buying a Car
• Physical Changes with body
These events occur for many people and help to transition or prepare them for adulthood. In essence, whether you know it or not, rites of passage events are critical to our thinking, behaving and being as young adults.
The Rites of Passage Program is designed into two stages. The first stage covers the first 12 months at Vita Nova. At this stage resident's deal with the fundamental behaviors that serve as the foundation for conquering more challenging ones. The achievement categories include:
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• Personal Behavior
• Campus Norms
• Life Skills Participation
• Life Skills Attendance
• Work Performance.
• School Performance
• Rent
• Utilities
• Curfew
• Apartment
• Virtues
• Community Enrichment
The Rites of Passage program then enters stage two at the first anniversary of a residents stay at Vita Nova. The program now puts focus on the particular skills a resident will need to transition out into the community and achieving the goal of independence.
Our Rites of Passage Program helps residents:
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• Attain driving privileges
• Increase communication skills
• Attain career related employment
• Identify healthy/supportive relationships
• Remain Drug Free
• Give back through Community Service
• Contribute to the Vita Nova Community
• Become Financially responsible
3. Virtues Program
Vita Nova regards character as the combination of virtues that help individuals develop their unique God-given potential, and believes that character - not IQ, money or luck - is the foundation for success in life.
When you put character first...achievement follows.
The teaching and modeling of virtues is central to character development in youth, and Vita Nova focuses on twelve universally accepted virtues that it believes all residents should understand and make their own. They are:
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• Honesty
• Trust
• Perseverance
• Integrity
• Self-discipline
• Respect
• Cleanliness
• Patience
• Thankfulness
• Responsibility
• Commitment
• Forgiveness