MISSION

Our mission is to promote physical, emotional, and social stability in our children by building strong interpersonal skills. We strive to empower our children with skills that increase their self-worth, enabling them to overcome past adversities in order to build better tomorrows.

MEET OUR FOUNDERS

Ken has cultivated over 20 years experience working with at-risk youth and parents. Since 1989, he has played an integral role in rehabilitating disadvantaged youth who face major life altering challenges. His study has included completion of the University of California, Davis’ Independent Living Program for “Mentor Training,” as well as programs in Stress Management, Dealing with At-Risk Youth, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, and Behavior Modification with First Hospital of Vallejo. Ken also has a background in Business Administration and sits on two boards: Alameda County Food Bank and the Community Access Ticket Service.

Prior to leading the Greater New Beginnings Youth Services organization as its Executive Director, Ken identified a great need for the successful functioning of a group home. In his experience he had encountered disturbing models that merely “housed” at-risk youths instead of providing them with tools to be upwardly mobile. Determined to challenge the efficacy of this model, he brought his own vision by creating an environment where at-risk youth could build strong interpersonal skills, become socially viable and increase their self-worth by exposing them to a “what can be” mentality rather than their current status quo reality. His hands-on approach with the youth he oversees is astounding because he establishes individual connections with each of them. For over 14 years, Ken has been committed to this very important work of transitioning at-risk youth into stable livelihoods.

Len and his five siblings grew up in Alameda County. Each of them beat the odds. After building successful careers Len and his five siblings founded Greater New Beginnings Youth Services (GNBYS) to offer hope, resources and support to children and youth who are in the foster and or juvenile justice system.

Partnering with Kenneth Porter, Len has created a successful model of service that is in demand by counties across the state. He provides leadership in creating a home like therapeutic milieu where young men can develop functional academic, social and interpersonal skills thereby increasing their resiliency.

When not at GNBYS, Len develops residential and commercial property at Turner Group Construction and tends to his large extended family. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and he is a member of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

OUR STAFF

Greater New Beginnings is staffed 24-hours a day. Our experienced and credentialed staff includes Case Managers, a Licensed therapist, and Administrator who provide quality care.

All staff members endeavor to create an employee-resident relationship that will positively impact each youth. All staff strive to motivate each youth to modifying behaviors that have proven detrimental to their mental, emotional, social, and academic development.

F.A.Q.

1Q. How many male youths does Greater New Beginnings accommodate?
A. 12
2Q. What youth do we serve?
A. Greater New Beginnings Youth Services, Inc. specializes in youth who are at-risk and who have been placed in our facility by referral from the Juvenile Court. Our rehabilitative program is intended to modify behavior that has caused them to enter into the juvenile judicial system.
3Q. What determines the duration of a youth’s program?
A. The duration of the program is determined by the Court in conjunction with the youth’s appointed Probation Officer. Factors such as the nature of the offense, the number of offenses, and the needs of the youth collectively provide means to determine the program duration and the most effective rehabilitative curriculum.
4Q. What possessions are allowed at the home?
A. A detailed list of “acceptable” items is provided to the Probation Officer and youth at the time of their initial interview.
5Q. How is guardian contact handled?
A. Weekly phone calls and visits are set up with our youths’ legal gauardians. Visitation for the facility is scheduled on Sundays 12:00p-5:00p; however, we can accomadate special circumstances.
6Q. At what age are male youths eligible for residency?
A. Generally male youth between the ages of 12-17 are placed with us; however, eligibility, can also be determined on a case by case basis.
7Q. What makes GNB’s program different from all other Residential Treatment Programs?
A. Greater New Beginnings Youth Services, Inc. is customized to the needs of the individual resident. We do not simply warehouse youths. We aim to rehabilitate them and develop their infinite potential.

AT RISK YOUTH

The National Conference of State Legislatures states, “ A growing body of research indicates that kids who participate in one risky behavior often participate in others. Whether in school, at home or with peers, youth are bombarded by negative cultural influences, peer pressure and often challenging life circumstances that include poverty, homelessness, foster care, lack of parental involvement, domestic violence in the home, bullying and harassment at school or experience with juvenile detention. Some kids prove resilient; others do not. We do know that kids who are connected to caring adults, engaged in school and have productive roles at home, in organizations or the community at large have strengths or “assets” that help to insulate them from pressures and influences that prove destructive. In contrast, kids who find themselves hopeless, depressed and disconnected from others can turn to increasingly harmful and risky behavior.”

Parents, community leaders, and state and federal agencies are working together with Greater New Beginnings to find solutions.