In July 2019, Auberle officially welcomed Ward Home into the Auberle family as a subsidiary agency. Ward Home, a long-time provider of supervised independent living programs for youth in foster care, was founded in 1905 by Robert and Mary Catherine Ward to provide a safe haven for children who had no place to call home. The new partnership between Auberle and Ward Home offers an opportunity for both agencies to expand and enhance services to young people aging out of foster care in Southwestern PA.
SUPERVISED INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAMS
Ward Home’s Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Program is a community-based, residential program that serves foster youth, ages 16 to 20 years old, who have grown up in the foster care system. Ward Home foster youth live in apartment-style housing with 24-hour supervision, where they are taught vital life skills in our Life Skills Training Program. The SIL Program is designed to teach foster youth the responsibility of independence through the philosophy of self-discipline. The SIL sites are more than just temporary housing; they are safe, nurturing home environments where the foster youth are encouraged to reach their individual goals and grow into successful, independent members of the community.
Our teen girls site is located in the Wilkinsburg Borough and our teen boys site is located in Swissvale Borough. Emphasis is placed on developing social and life skills, obtaining and maintaining employment and/or volunteer work, completing an education plan, staying safe, and developing healthy relationships. Foster youth are engaged through enhanced creative and academic enrichment programming so that they become skilled enough to sustain independence.
MY BEST SELF PROGRAM
What is the My Best Self Program?
Ward Home’s My Best Self Program ensures that youth in CYF care have access to professional hair care services and hygiene products. Through the My Best Self Program, youth also have the opportunity to participate in social skills workshops and hair care trainings with the goal of empowering each youth to look good, feel better and be their best self.
Who can participate?
Youth in Congregate Care or Independent Living.
How do I refer a foster youth?
Please contact the youth’s CYF caseworker for a referral to the program or contact the Program Manager (contact information below).
I own a beauty parlor/barber shop/beauty supply store. How can I help?
If you are a hair salon, barber shop, or beauty product provider, and would like to make a difference in the life of youth in CYF care, please contact the My Best Self Program Manager at the information below to be added to our list of preferred vendors.
My Best Self Flyer - Referrals
My Best Self Flyer - Providers
For more information on the My Best Self Program, contact:
Mia Merideth
My Best Self Program Manager
Office: 412-673-5856 ext 1705
Cell: 412-737-1185
miam@auberle.org
Make a Referral to my best self:
CONTACT WARD HOME
Auberle's most recent Children and Youth Wellness Policy can be accessed by clicking here.
The most recent Wellness Policy Assessment can be accessed by clicking here.
Information about the Summer Meals Program including site location information can be accessed by clicking here.