Empowerment Project!

The primary objective of the Empowerment Project (ep)is to ensure the work of CAFETY volunteers comes from a position of empowerment. For many formerly institutionalized persons, whether placed in a therapeutic boarding school or residential treatment center, having safe space to turn to discuss the trauma, challenge internalized stigma and dispel the myths promoting coercive and degrading "treatment" is an important first step in the recovery process. This process might include group sharing, peer support, mental health treatment or sharing with parents their concerns surrounding residential placement.

Education

Our goal is to empower young adults who have had direct experience in residential care by bringing together existing, loose survivor networks and supporting chapter development through our educational programs. Our educational program will provide necessary material resources and technical assistance in strategic advocacy efforts.  CAFETY-National works at the national level and is also the guiding arm to our chapters in community education, coalition building, and systemic advocacy work.

Mental Health Professionals

Update! - CAFETY is currently compiling a list of national network of trauma-informed mental health professionals who are willing to commit at least 1 hour per week at low or no cost to our members.  To become a volunteer you must be familiar with this issue and recognize the value of self-determination as part of the therapeutic process.  Please complete our volunteer form AND This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it should you be interested in donating your time.

Peer Support

Update! - CAFETY currently has a developed collective of over 400 residential program alumni nationwide who have volunteered to offer peer support and/or share their experience with families considering placement within specific programs.  Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it should you be an alumnus seeking to connect with others in your community.

IN DEVELOPMENT - We will produce materials and provide trainings/workshops for our peer support volunteer.

Parent Resource

Update! - CAFETY currently has a developed collective of over 400 residential program alumni, staff and parents of alumni nationwide who have volunteered to share their experience with families considering placement.  We connect our volunteers with parents or alumni who have had direct experience within the program being considered and educate parents on our general concerns regarding institutionlization and community based alternatives.  Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it should you be a parent or guardian considering placement at a specific program and are interested in speaking with alumni who are willing to share their experience.

IN DEVELOPMENT - We will produce materials and provide trainings/workshops for our parent resource volunteer.