ALTERNATIVE HOUSE

THE ABUSED AND HOMELESS CHILDREN'S REFUGE

AYM-ASSISTING YOUNG MOTHERS

AYM I: Residential Home

AYM II: Independent Transitional Living

Community-Based Support

AYM provides counseling and support for pregnant and parenting teens through residential and community-based programs.  Young women receive counseling, shelter, life skills training, parenting education, and job readiness training to help them become nurturing parents and successful members of the community.  AYM strives to promote self-sufficiency and nurturing parenting, and to prevent child abuse and stop the cycle of teen pregnancy. 

  Assisting Young Mothers
  AYM to be Successful
  AYM to be Independent
  AYM to be Nurturing Parents

 

 

Source: Northern Virginia Magazine, July 2007

AYM I: Residential Home

Homeless pregnant and parenting young women between the ages of 18 and 21, live in the AYM home with their child for up to 18 months.  During this time they establish and maintain a savings account, find steady employment or attend school, develop independent living skills and learn to be nurturing parents.  

Infants and toddlers of mothers participating in AYM receive individualized attention with hands-on developmental activities in a nurturing environment.  This program is located inside the AYM I home.  An Early Childhood Development Specialist assesses the children's development and works with the mothers to help them improve their parenting skills. 

703.280.2162

Fairfax, VA  22031

AYM II: Independent Transitional Living

Women who have successfully completed AYM I or women who have already developed some independent living skills but still need extra support, can transition into AYM II. This program, made possible through a partnership with Christian Relief Services, allows them to live in their own apartment with their child while still receiving intensive case management and support to help them progress towards full self-sufficiency. These mothers may stay in their apartment for up to two years.

Community-Based Support

Young parents 16-21 years old and their children can receive counseling and support from case managers in the AYM program. They participate in group counseling, develop life skills and parenting skills, get job readiness training, and get connected with other resources in the community.