Our Program

All older youth participating in the Launch Pad programs are expected to maintain full-time employment and/or education. The Launch Pad Independent Living Program provides older youth with vocational and employment services to assist them in the goal of obtaining and maintaining full-time employment.  Educational support is provided to assist older youth in exploring and obtaining further education, including high school diplomas, GEDs, and higher education.

The Launch Pad programs provide life and social skills training as outlined by the 2014 Youth Independent Living Services Guidelines Bulletin as stated in the Foster Care Act. This training is provided through Life Skills Group classes as well as in real-life settings, as older youth interact with staff and volunteers. Examples of Life Skills Classes include budgeting and money management, cooking, exercising, emotional awareness and regulation, and parenting classes. 

The Launch Pad program seeks to empower clients to thrive independently by establishing permanency connections in the Newville community. Clients are expected to engage in volunteer work within the community. At any time that clients are not engaged in full-time employment or education, mandatory service learning opportunities are arranged. Clients are connected to community resources, and provided with opportunities to build relationships with healthy adults in the community. 

Executive Director Lia Fourlas M.A., M.Ed, and Clinical Director Bethany Theobold, L.C.S.W. provide 24/7 on-call support 365 days a year to all residents.  This support is an essential part of the program. The availability of constant professional support provides early intervention and often prevents need for further intervention and can be a huge help in daily, good decision making too.  

The Launch Pad Foundation also provides support by providing holiday meals and celebration on all major holidays.

The Launch Pad seeks mentors that connect with individual young men and form genuine relationships.  A number of volunteers are introduced to the young adults and they choose their connections based on their preferences and skills they want to learn.  Men with building skills are a big favorite!

Launch Pad staff and volunteers will assist young men in locating a community that feels right for them.  We are available to accompany the young men to different churches or community events so that they can explore community groups until they feel comfortable.

Launch Pad staff and volunteers take recreational trips with the young men, as directed by the Chafee Fostering Independence guidelines.  Understanding and experiencing the world outside of one's own community can provide a value tool in self-discovery, critical thinking skills and career exploration.  And the guys love to try new things!

Launch Pad Independent Living Apartments provide semi-supervision in community apartment buildings in Newville, Pennsylvania. Apartments are designed to mirror a college dormitory setting while incorporating trauma-informed design. Single and shared bedrooms are currently available with access to community living spaces. These include bathrooms and kitchens, as well as supervised access to television, computers, recreational activities, and comfortable, trauma-informed lounge areas. The goal of these spaces is to encourage positive relationship-building and a sense of community and belonging.