When people describe a workplace as “family,” it can sometimes sound like a tagline. Thea, a mentor at New Directions for Young Adults (NDFYA), describes something more grounded: a place where staff truly support each other—and that support flows directly into how students are cared for.
Thea has been with New Directions for two years. She came in as a social work major working toward her Master’s degree, expecting to gain experience. What she found was more than a résumé-builder: it was challenging, personal, and genuinely rewarding—because the relationships were real.
A team culture that actually supports the work
Thea talks about feeling comfortable bringing both “personal” and “business” problems to her coworkers—because people wanted the best for each other and for the students.
That matters. Mentorship is daily, hands-on work. When staff are aligned and supported, students get a more consistent, calmer, and more responsive experience.
If you want a clearer snapshot of what NDFYA builds its support around, start with the Services overview.
The best moment: seeing students graduate
Thea’s most positive experience is simple and powerful: graduation day.
Watching students progress, reach a milestone, and feel proud of what they accomplished is a reminder that growth is real—and visible. It’s not just “support” in theory; it’s progress you can point to.
To explore more student stories and experiences, see Videos and NDFYA Experiences.
Social activities aren’t “extra”—they’re part of the plan
Thea highlights how much students look forward to social activities—so much that they track them on their own calendars and anticipate what’s coming next.
That detail matters because social growth often improves when activities are:
- predictable,
- structured,
- and repeated often enough to build confidence.
NDFYA’s approach to this is outlined in Social Skills & Relationship Building, including examples of activities like outings, cooking group, movie night, bowling, game night, sports, and more.
For a broader view of day-to-day life in the program, visit Student Life.
Real-world support: vocational, educational, and daily life skills
Thea also points out something many people underestimate: progress often comes from practicing “small” daily tasks consistently—things like hygiene routines, cleaning, and follow-through. These are easy to overlook until you realize how foundational they are to independence.
Alongside life skills and mentorship, NDFYA also provides structured career-focused support through Vocational Training & Development.
“The students are my best teachers.”
One of the most honest moments in Thea’s reflection is how she describes what students give back: learning patience, empathy, and new ways of seeing the world.
Mentorship at NDFYA isn’t one-directional. It’s relationship-based work—one-on-one and in groups—where growth happens on both sides.
Learn more or take the next step
If you’re exploring programs, considering a tour, or trying to understand whether NDFYA is the right fit, these pages are good next clicks:
- Apply / Admissions: Apply
- Program overview: Services
- Student life: Student Life
- Social development: Social Skills & Relationship Building
- Career readiness: Vocational Training & Development
- More stories: Written Testimonials
- Photos: Program Photos
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
