- The ARK Community Services
- 1819 Gull Road
- Kalamazoo, MI 49048
- 269-381-9800
- (Fax) 269-381-2932
The ARK Community Services
Homeless Youth Program
The Homeless Youth Program serves youth 16-20 in Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Barry, St. Joseph, Allegan, Branch, Cass, Berrien, Van Buren and Eaton counties. Services include skill development and assistance with affordable and safe housing, education and employment.
Transitional Living Program
The Transitional Living Program serves youth ages 16-21 in Kalamazoo County. We assist youth who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless by enabling them to become stable adults through a wide variety of services. These may include assistance with living skills, aid in finding housing and support in maintaining a positive housing environment. We offer weekly “Life Skills Groups” to help youth form friendships, build support systems and develop essential life skills.
Youth in Transition Program
The Youth in Transition Program serves youth 14-20 who are exiting the foster care system in Van Buren County. We provide support services to help these youth develop education, employment and life skills. For more information call 269-381-9800, ext.112.
How We Help Youth
Case Management
Case managers support youth on an individual basis, helping them to establish person-centered plans, developed around their personal situation and needs.
Life Skills
Support services are offered to help youth develop essential independent living skills, such as money management, household maintenance, interviewing and resume skills and locating safe and affordable housing. These skills are learned through weekly groups and through on-on-one relationships.
Emergency Supplies
Youth receive personal hygiene supplies such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap and lotion. Some clothing and nonperishable food items are also available on a limited basis, Referrals are provided as needed to ensure all youth receive necessary supplies.
Housing Opportunities
Portage Street House
Three transitional housing apartments in a house on Portage Street in Kalamazoo for youth adults.
The ARK Shelter
The ARK is the only short-term, voluntary shelter serving the six county area. Youth ages 10-17 who have run away, are in danger of becoming homeless or who are in a crisis situation are eligible. Counseling and support services are offered to youth and their families.
Caring Network Apartments
Transitional living apartments for pregnant and/or parenting women who are participating in the Caring Network Program.
Counseling
Professional mental health counseling is available through Bridges.
Community Outreach
Provides free prevention education services to schools and agencies across six counties. Current workshops include:
- All About The ARK
- Description: This session informs students about all the services offered by The ARK. Every student in every school should hear this presentation.
- Anger Management
- Description: Students identify and understand what can trigger their anger, and how to effectively handle that anger without blaming others.
- The Basics
- Description: Students will get to know more about themselves, while discussing the topics of attitude, honesty, communication, respect and responsibility. Currently being piloted in Kalamazoo County.
- Navigating Rough Waters
- Description: This program utilizes current movie clips and hands-on activities to address conflict strategies, bullying, anger management, violence and respect.
ARK Ambassadors (Youth Development Initiative)
Specially trained youth volunteers participate in service-learning projects in their community and help educate others about The ARK. Recruitment for ARK Ambassadors will be starting soon. Call Ben Moe at 381-9800 ext 216 for more information or email him at benjaminmoe@catholicfamilyservices.org.