The Anger Management Program is a skills and education based program where youth and parents can learn alternatives to aggressive behavior. Many adolescents have difficulty managing anger and aggression and this can impact both the adolescent and the those attempting to work with them. An adolescent’s frequent preference for using such behavior in conflict situations interferes with the positive and constructive behavior they may possess. The purpose of anger management education and counseling is to: (1) teach youth in high-risk situations to understand what causes them to feel angry and to act aggressively, (2) teach techniques they can use to reduce their anger and aggression, (3) facilitate models for proper use of anger management techniques and to provide feedback to participants practicing anger reduction skills, and (4) teach parents the same techniques and to learn how to reinforce what is being taught to their children. Youthworks will be offering individual counseling and workshops for youth and parents to address the need for anger management and parent-child conflict training.
Youth and Family Services (youth under 18)
Anger Management
Contacts
Bismarck
- Sara Eastman, LMSW, STCAC & Runaway Program Lead, 701-255-6909, seastman@youthworksnd.org
- Hannah Thomas, LBSW, Youth Engagement Specialist, 701-255-6909, hthomas@youthworksnd.org
Runaway Program
The Runaway Program provides emergency services to runaway youth & their families including crisis response, shelter, food & supplies, reunification & follow-up individual & family counseling.
Contacts
Bismarck
- Hannah Thomas, LBSW, Youth Engagement Specialist, 701-255-6909, hthomas@youthworksnd.org
- Sara Eastman, LMSW, STCAC & Runaway Program Lead, 701-255-6909, seastman@youthworksnd.org
Short-Term Care and Assessment Center
Youthworks shelters provide comprehensive emergency services to runaway youth and their families, as well as, youth experiencing significant parent/child conflict and provide one-time drop-in, and crisis line services to youth who may be contemplating running away and require or seek only a minimal level of service (such as information and referral to other services providers). Full reunification services are available including individual and family counseling, anger management, mediation, mentoring, and personalized aftercare services. For both runaway and short-term care situations parents or guardians retain custody and reunification is intended to happen within 96 hours, or sooner if possible. Professional assessment is available 7 days a week Attendant Care is on-call, short term, staff secure holding of juvenile offenders who cannot or do not need to be placed in a physically secure setting and 1. cannot be immediately released to their parents 2. need to be held until a longer term placement can be arranged 3. need to be held while an investigation is being conducted 4. for whom shelter care is not appropriate due to the risk of running All authorizations for attendant care will go through various law enforcement agencies. Placing agencies have the authority to make placements for up to 24 hours. Placements of 24-48 hours may be allowed by Youthworks but require notification of the Juvenile Court.
Contacts
Bismarck
- Hannah Thomas, LBSW, Youth Engagement Specialist, 701-255-6909, hthomas@youthworksnd.org
- Sara Eastman, LMSW, STCAC & Runaway Program Lead, 701-255-6909, seastman@youthworksnd.org
- Melanie Heitkamp, LCSW, Executive Director, 701-255-6909, mheitkamp@youthworksnd.org
North Dakota Guardian ad Litem Program
A guardian is a person appointed by the court to advocate for the best interest of a child involved in Juvenile Court. The core function of a guardian is an objective examination of the child’s situation to assist the court in understanding the child’s true circumstances and needs. A guardian’s role is to ensure every child lives in a safe, healthy permanent family. Our mission statement is “to provide effective, independent advocacy in the best interest of children before the court”.
Contacts
Bismarck
- Sharla Price, GAL Coordinator, 701-255-6909, sprice@youthworksnd.org
- Barb Oliger, LBSW, GAL Program Director, 701-255-6909, boliger@youthworksnd.org
Homeless 18 - 24
Transitional Living
Youthworks provides short-term transitional housing and support services to homeless young adults ages 18-24.
Eligibility: Available to homeless youth ages 18-24 who do not have a safe and permanent living arrangement. Housing services are available up to 18 months.
Housing: Youth who are eligible may contact Youthworks for an application. Housing is available based on a
2- to 4-week intake process and apartment vacancy. Support services are available immediately.
There is a program fee charged each month. Upon transition into permanent housing, additional financial assistance may be available.
Support Services
- Furnished apartment
- Counseling and mentoring
- Support groups
- Referrals
- Educational and employment assistance
- Independent living skills education
- Assistance with food, bedding and personal hygiene items
- Drop-in apartment support/supervision
Contacts
Bismarck
- Sierra Deringer, MSW, TLP/MGH Case Manager, 701-255-6909, sderinger@youthworksnd.org
- Jay Schafer, B.S., TLP/MGH Program Lead, 701-255-6909, jschafer@youthworksnd.org
- Anita Bohner, LMSW, TLP/MGH Service Coordinator Program Lead, 701-255-6909, anita@youthworksnd.org
- Mark Heinert, LBSW, Assistant Executive Director, 701-255-6909, mheinert@youthworksnd.org
Parenting Pathways
The Parenting Pathways program provides short-term transitional housing and support services to individuals who are pregnant or parenting.
Eligibility: Available to homeless pregnant or parenting young adults ages 18-24 who do not have a safe and permanent living arrangement. Housing services are available up to 18 months.
Housing: Young adults who are eligible may contact Youthworks for an application. Housing is available based on a 2 to 4 week intake process and apartment vacancy. Support services are available immediately.
There is a program fee charged each month. Upon transition into permanent housing, additional financial assistance may be available.
- Support Services
- Furnished apartment
- Counseling and mentoring
- Support groups
- Referrals
- Educational and employment assistance
- Parenting education
- Independent living skills education
- Assistance with food, bedding and personal hygiene items
- Drop-in apartment support/supervision
Goals & Expectations
- Pregnant and parenting youth are required to:
- Learn parenting skills including:
- Child development skills
- Health and nutrition education
- Family budgeting skills
- Economic independence skills
- Attend all required meetings.
- Actively participate in recommended mental health/chemical dependency services.
- Maintain a clean, safe, drug and alcohol free living environment.
- Obtain and maintain employment.
- Follow program rules as outlined in the housing agreement.
- Pay program fees.
Contacts
Bismarck
- Sierra Deringer, MSW, TLP/MGH Case Manager, 701-255-6909, sderinger@youthworksnd.org
- Jay Schafer, B.S., TLP/MGH Program Lead, 701-255-6909, jschafer@youthworksnd.org
- Anita Bohner, LMSW, TLP/MGH Service Coordinator Program Lead, 701-255-6909, anita@youthworksnd.org
- Mark Heinert, LBSW, Assistant Executive Director, 701-255-6909, mheinert@youthworksnd.org
Youth 13 - 24
Anti-Human Trafficking
A program providing direct service and intensive case management to young survivors of human trafficking, including sex and labor trafficking. Services include individual intake/assessment, individual counseling, appropriate service referrals, transportation, and various emergency shelter and transitional housing options. This program aims to help these young survivors (through age 22) establish a safe, healthy, and secure future. Program staff are also available to provide training and community education.
Contacts
Bismarck
- Ashley Willis, Anti-Trafficking & VOCA Specialist, 701-255-6909, awillis@youthworksnd.org
- Angie Harper, LBSW, Anti-Trafficking Housing Navigator, 701-255-6909, aharper@youthworksnd.org
- Alison Traynor, MSW, LMSW, MPH, Anti-Trafficking Therapist, 701-255-6909, atraynor@youthworksnd.org
- Amy Boyd, LBSW, Program Manager, 701-255-6909, aboyd@youthworksnd.org
VOCA
Contacts
Bismarck
- Ashley Willis, Anti-Trafficking & VOCA Specialist, 701-255-6909, awillis@youthworksnd.org
- Angie Harper, LBSW, Anti-Trafficking Housing Navigator, 701-255-6909, aharper@youthworksnd.org
- Alison Traynor, MSW, LMSW, MPH, Anti-Trafficking Therapist, 701-255-6909, atraynor@youthworksnd.org
- Amy Boyd, LBSW, Program Manager, 701-255-6909, aboyd@youthworksnd.org
Contact Us
Bismarck Staff











