Marrakech’s Work with Youth: A Big Part of Who We Have Become!

In honor of International Youth Day (August 12^th), we thought we would take a little time to showcase some of our youth programs this month.  While Marrakech is mostly known for serving adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities, our consumer population has become progressively diverse over the last decade or so.  Many people out there, maybe even you, may not know that for the last 8 years Marrakech has provided dedicated programs and services to youth and young adults aging out of the foster care system.

It all started in 2005 when Marrakech began to provide case management services under the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Community Housing Assistance Program (CHAP).  While working with this population is a bit different than some of the work we have done in the past, it is similar to the other programs Marrakech provides in that the goals are all centered on increasing self-sufficiency and improving each young person’s quality of life. 

In order to achieve this, a Marrakech Case Manager works with assigned youth to help them move into their own apartments, teach them practical life skills, assist them with money management and household responsibilities, all while the youth attend school and maintain employment.

In 2006, Marrakech was awarded the Work to Learn program in New Haven and then in 2008, a second Work to Learn program in Waterbury.  In fact, Marrakech runs two out the five Work to Learn sites throughout the State of Connecticut!  The Work to Learn Centers serve youth ages 14-23 who are currently in or transitioning from the DCF Foster Care System. It serves as a stepping stone for youth who need to learn various life skills, develop their job skills, and strive towards graduating from high school. All of this focuses on preparing each student for some type of post-secondary education or training.  

The program also provides a structured and comprehensive calendar of activities that encompasses skill development in a range of areas including basic education, employment, financial literacy, life skills, and personal and community relationships.  Marrakech’s Youth Coaches provide additional case management support, advocacy and referral to other support services as needed.

Learn more about the Work to Learn Model in our next Blog post!