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Eleanor House |
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Eleanor House is a community-based therapeutic group
home. It serves girls ages 13 to 17 who require intense
clinical services in a small, structured home-like setting.
Staffing, clinical services, therapeutic support, and guidance
are offered 24/7. Two to three staff members are on duty at all
times. The majority of the girls are residents of Hartford
and attend schools in the Hartford school system. |
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The Group Home Model |
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Trauma-informed and relational in its approach, the group home
model emphasizes the healing power of relationships. Whether
brief or extended, authentic and respectful human connections
can be transformative.
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trauma framework provides a lens in which each resident is
understood in the context of her unique background. Values,
personality, and behaviors have developed through the impact of
individual histories (including both positive and traumatic
events), as well as cultural backgrounds. Unhealthy behaviors
are viewed as having developed in order to cope with traumatic
stress. These adaptations to the environment were survival
strategies that at one time successfully protected the child.
In the present, however, these same strategies prevent the child
from reaching her full potential.
The
overarching goal of the program is for the residents and staff
members to engage in a collaborative process to increase each
resident’s own understanding of who she is as well as who she is
in relation to others. The
development of alliances occurs when staff members model the
building of “RICH” relationships that convey Respect,
Information, Connection, and Hope.* Alliances
contradict resident’s assumptions that all relationships are
dangerous. When alliances are consistent and long-lasting, the
resident can use them as a basis for healing.
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* From Risking
Connections: A Training Curriculum for Working with
Survivors of Childhood Abuse.
Published by the Sidran Press. |
Residents are supported by committed staff members to actively
participate in their treatment, their schools, their
communities, and the group home. Collaboration between the
residents and their caretakers provides an avenue for
empowerment as strengths are revealed and enhanced. Over time,
the creation of caring relationships can transform unhealthy
patterns of relating into healthy ones. |
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Program Staff |
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 Marji Vitale, the
Director of Eleanor House, received a doctor of
psychology degree from the Chicago School of Professional
Psychology. She received specialized training in the
treatment of traumatized individuals. Shenikka Moore, the
clinical coordinator, earned a masters degree in social work and
possesses excellent skills in working with at-risk youth and
families. Other staff members include residential supervisors,
youth workers, a part-time child psychiatrist, and a part-time
nurse. |
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Bridge Friend, Eleanor
Horn |
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Eleanor
House is named for Eleanor Horn, a Bridge Board member and
volunteer for more than 20 years. She has spent her life
advocating on behalf of young people—her passion. Eleanor is
patient and caring and kids feel valued when with her. She
offers her insight, knowledge of the great outdoors, and her
kindness to all who know her. She is an excellent role model
for young people.
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E-Mail Us
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© 2004 - 2005 The Bridge Family Center, Inc.
1022 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford,
CT 06107
Telephone: 860.521.8035
¿ Fax:
860.521.8036
E-Mail:
info@bridgefamilycenter.org
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