Sunshine Youth Services and Female Programming

Sunshine Youth Services has recognized that female programs require interventions and services which are unique and differ from male programs. Research has overwhelmingly supported the need to provide services which are strength based and promote safety. Girl’s adolescent development is characterized by:

1. Relationships are important and fundamental to girls’ lives. Relationships give girls a sense of connection.
2. Girls relate and work one-on-one.
3. Females tend to internalize failure (assume it is their fault) and externalize success (have difficulty taking credit for success).
4. Females look to external sources in building their own self-esteem.

To ensure that we meet our mission of providing a safe and therapeutic environment, staff who work in girls programs must be committed to working with and understanding girls. As part of our pre-screening process we look for the following qualities in our candidates:

a. A strong desire to help individuals that have been emotionally, physically, sexually or mentally traumatized;
b. A personal philosophy to not take the anger our youth sometimes express towards staff or others in a personal way;
c. The ability to manage stress and frustration well and not project it onto youth and co-workers;
d. A commitment to be a role-model to our youth and each other, not only while at work but also away from work;
e. A commitment to uphold our Mission, Vision and Code of Conduct in all that you do;
f. Staff that will treat all youth, staff, visitors, family and other stakeholders with care, compassion, empathy, respect and be a professional at all times;
g. Staff who have unquestionable boundaries and have the ability to reach out to our youth in positive and productive ways;
h. A person that can maintain trust, respect and open communication at all times;
i. A strong desire to understand the special needs of young women during their adolescent years;
j. The ability to interact appropriately, positively and in a supportive manner with young women at all times.

If you are an individual that possess the above traits – please continue with the recruitment process and submit your resume’ and/or application to us for further consideration.

 


21808 State Road 54
Lutz, Florida 33549
(813) 909-2030
FAX (813) 909-0949
 John Myers, Executive Director

To Riverside Academy

Directions to Gulf and Lake Academy, Land O'Lakes

Lake Academy is a 60-bed moderate risk residential commitment program that provides specialized mental health treatment services for females ages 12 to 18. Located in Land O' Lakes, Florida. Lake Academy is comprised of 60 female beds. The length of stay in the program ranges from nine to twelve months.

Gulf and Lake Academy is a contracted provider with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice who initiates all program referrals. Lake Academy is contracted to provide intensive mental health and mental health overlay services. Program services include:

 Comprehensive mental health and medical diagnostic assessments upon admission

Individual and group mental health treatment services
Comprehensive psychological and psychiatric evaluations as deemed appropriate
Social and life skills training to include victim awareness, employability skills, substance abuse and gang prevention groups
On-site educational services through the Pasco County School System

On-site recreational services
On-site and off-site employment opportunities for youth
On-site medical services
Comprehensive case management services to implement individual performance plans
Care and custody services delivered through a structured behavior management system
Family system intervention and treatment services

Lake Academy opened its doors on June 27, 2000 to serve youth. During their first annual Quality Assurance Review with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Lake Academy received one of the highest possible scores---a "deemed" status rating---indicating overall commendable performance of the program.

John Myers, Facility Administrator welcomes visitors from the local community, often hosting them for special "VIP" lunches and program tours. According to Myers, "Visitors to our program walk away enlightened and impressed by the quality of services we provide. More importantly, they are moved by the impact we have on the lives of youth and often commit to be one of our Community Advisory Board members, business partners, or volunteers".

 

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