Residential Services

	Zion Residence proudly displays the Residence of the Week Banner

The Residential Services Department provides children with an opportunity to reside in a structured, safe environment and have experiences that are a vital part of the Hoffman Homes for Youth treatment program.  The treatment plan of each child directs the care in the residences.  Residential services staff are responsible for the care, supervision, and monitoring of the children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Daily interactions between children and staff are used to build relationships, trust, and respect.  Skills acquired through formal education, experience, on-the-job training, and ongoing in-service seminars enable residential services staff to provide the highest quality of care.

Residence bedrooms accommodate 1-4 children and are equipped with motion detectors to help ensure the children’s safety.  Individual storage areas for clothing and personal belongings are located in each child’s area.

Breakfast, dinner and weekend meals are prepared and served in the residences.  All meals, including school lunches, are planned under the direction of a qualified chef and consulting registered dietitian and meet the recommended daily culinary allowances (RDA) as outlined by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council.  Meals must also meet the National School Lunch Policy requirements.  Children who require special diets, as ordered by the attending physician, receive meals that are prepared and served in consultation with the dietitian and the American Dietetic Association Diet Manual.  Follow-up contacts and nutritional assessments are conducted by the dietitian on a regular basis.  Snacks are also provided in the residences each afternoon and evening.  

Children participate in many leisure and physical activities.  Residences have space and equipment (televisions, computer games, board games, magazines, books, etc.) to provide a variety of opportunities for relaxation.  A fishing pond, soccer field, softball field, playground, basketball courts, and beach volleyball court provide opportunities for outdoor recreation.  In addition, residences plan special trips to the surrounding communities.  Hoffman Homes for Youth has a indoor gymnasium and a fully equipped recreation center with video games, pool tables, ping pong tables and foosball table Hoffman Homes for Youth also offers a fully equipped cardio exercise room. 

 
Special activities enhance the therapeutic milieu and provide an opportunity for children to express themselves through socially acceptable activities.  Teen Night allows older children the opportunity to be with peers in a “teen center” setting.  Children listen to music, read magazines, play games, enjoy snacks, and talk with friends.  Other incentive programs include dances, and karaoke. 

The summer schedule includes a structured daily schedule of therapeutic and recreational activities, field days, and a talent show.  These activities are held on the Hoffman Homes for Youth campus as well as outings into the surrounding communities.  These cooperative learning activities are designed in Residential Services to teach tolerance, cooperation, and conflict resolution while allowing the children to have fun and participate in activities that children are doing in their home communities.