AD House Resource Center

Hi my name is Precious Stephens and I want to tell you about my life with AD House.  When I started AD House I a was troubled little 10 year old.  I never communicated with anyone because I was very shy and antisocial. 

 As I got older I eventually started to communicate with other people.  I got into a little trouble from time to time but nothing serious.  One thing I thought about when I got in trouble was punishments.  Punishments weren’t for me so before I even thought about doing something wrong punishments came to mind. 

When I was about 13 or 14 I asked Mrs. Linder to start an Anger Management group because I was so angry all the time and I needed to let it out.   The Anger Management sessions helped me let things go and mature more.  When I started to mature, I started to help the Peer Leaders with their sessions because the peers respected me just like they respected the Peer Leaders.  Mrs. Linder saw that I was a helping hand so she made me into a Peer Leader at 15 years of age.  Being a Peer Leader is a challenge but if you put your mind to something you can do anything. 

 Now I’m 18 years of age and I attend Essex County College, I’m not just a Peer Leader I’m a Senior Peer Leader/Coordinator.   I work with the Peer Leaders and I show them what to do.  AD House kept me on the right path, and without AD House, I don’t know where I would be. 

I probably would be some angry lost girl trying to make it.  AD House helped me realize how important life is and thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Linder for their help throughout my life.
So if you don’t mind could you PLEASE help us because if you help us we could help others that are in need.

A former Peer Leader of AD  House is now the owner of IHOP (International House of Pancakes) in Irvington, New Jersey. I was excited to reconnect with her.

View the short video of her sharing how her employment at AD House during her teen years helped to shape her future.
I am so very proud of her and her efforts in the community.

Newark AD House Peer Leader Staff 2009

What is an AD House Peer Leader?

An AD  House Peer Leader is an adolescent between the ages of  15-18 who receive extensive training to provide peer counseling, facilitate small group sessions, case recording, and other related duties as needed.

Why Does AD House Have Peer Leaders?

As a result of research, we have found that adolescents trust the Peer Leaders instead of adults.
 Also, Peer Leaders are able to establish a positive relationship with the adolescents. As a result the adolescents are able to share their inner feelings with the Peer Leaders and listen to the information that is shared in the group to begin to make positive choices that will change their way of thinking.

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After every evening session a full meal is prepared by Mr. Linder. He volunteers his service to prepare, serve and nurture the children during this time. Each child sits at the table to eat as an Adhouse family,

This provides a great opportunity to teach, encourage and communicate with them. And in case you are wondering, the teens themselves clean up after the meal. This teaches them a sense of responsibility.

In addition the food is always good.

ADOLESCENTS

The adolescents who are enrolled into the after school program here at Safe Haven
have endured the pain that was incurred by their parents which resulted in them being separated from their parents.  There were various situations that  caused the pain which the adolescents are holding within themselves, being abused, abandonment, neglect or suffering from emotional or physical abuse. 

 As a result of the pain these adolescents exhibit anger that could result in them becoming violent, depressed, dropping out of school, becoming homeless, getting involved with crime, drugs and other unacceptable behavior. The adolescents who are enrolled into the after school program here at Safe Haven have endured the pain that was incurred by their parents which resulted in them being separated from their parents.

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We are going to provide  resource information, events and other valuable information that can help families strive towards a better future.

But we also want to  hear from you. Please share your resources as well as questions you may have.