20/Week Coaching and Mentorship Transitional Living Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To support veterans through structured housing, mental health stabilization, and life skills training, ultimately transitioning them into independent, productive, and healthy lives.

 

 

 

 

📅 Program Overview (Weekly Focus)

 

 

 

Phase 1: Assessment, Stabilization, and Engagement (Weeks 1–4)

 

 

Week 1: Intake & Orientation

 

• Intake and eligibility screening (DD-214, background, mental health/substance use history)
• Consent forms & program expectations
• Assign case manager and peer support
• Safety and mental health check-in
• Housing orientation and roommate agreements

 

 

Week 2: Full Needs Assessment

 

• Clinical mental health assessment (psychiatrist/therapist)
• Physical health screening
• Substance use history (if applicable)
• Vocational/education assessment
• Begin individual service plan (ISP)

 

 

Week 3: Crisis Stabilization & Rapport Building

 

• Daily check-ins with peer support
• Begin individual therapy (1x/week)
• Group therapy introduction (anger, PTSD, trauma)
• Identify immediate medication or treatment needs
• Create daily routine (wake/sleep, hygiene, meals)

 

 

Week 4: Mental Health & Wellness Planning

 

• Establish treatment goals
• Medication management
• Intro to wellness activities (yoga, meditation, physical activity)
• Nutrition classes and cooking basics
• Substance abuse relapse prevention (if needed)

 

 

 

 

 

Phase 2: Clinical Therapy & Skill Development (Weeks 5–10)

 

 

Week 5: Trauma-Informed Therapy

 

• Individual trauma therapy (EMDR, CBT, or PTSD-focused)
• Group processing circles
• Journal & self-reflection exercises
• Begin therapy workbook

 

 

Week 6: Anger Management & Coping Skills

 

• Anger triggers and emotional regulation
• Identify past unhealthy coping patterns
• Introduce healthy outlets (art, journaling, music)

 

 

Week 7: Financial Literacy & Budgeting

 

• Banking basics
• Creating a budget on fixed income
• Managing VA benefits or SSI
• Credit repair & debt education

 

 

Week 8: Employment Readiness

 

• Resume writing
• Mock interviews
• Job exploration or career interest inventory
• Identify job placement partners (Goodwill, VA Voc Rehab, etc.)

 

 

Week 9: Substance Use Recovery (if applicable)

 

• 12-step or SMART Recovery meetings
• Peer-led sobriety check-ins
• Recovery goals and relapse planning
• Sponsor/mentor connection

 

 

Week 10: Healthy Relationships & Boundaries

 

• Conflict resolution
• Family reunification (if appropriate)
• Domestic violence awareness
• Co-parenting (if applicable)

 

 

 

 

 

Phase 3: Independence Preparation & Community Integration (Weeks 11–16)

 

 

Week 11: Housing Readiness

 

• Apartment search skills
• Rental applications
• Landlord communication
• Understand lease agreements

 

 

Week 12: Transportation & Mobility

 

• Public transit navigation
• Driver’s license reinstatement (if applicable)
• Transportation vouchers or subsidies

 

 

Week 13: Life Skills Development

 

• Laundry, meal prep, cleaning, hygiene
• Self-care routines
• Grocery shopping and budgeting

 

 

Week 14: Building a Support Network

 

• Support groups
• Veteran peer networks
• Local mental health providers
• Identifying 3 emergency contacts

 

 

Week 15: Legal & Documentation Support

 

• ID restoration
• VA benefits application support
• Legal aid for outstanding warrants, child support, etc.

 

 

Week 16: Spiritual & Emotional Wellness

 

• Optional: faith-based support or spiritual healing sessions
• Reconnection with purpose and identity
• Community volunteering

 

 

 

 

 

Phase 4: Transition & Aftercare (Weeks 17–20)

 

 

Week 17: Independent Living Trial

 

• 1-week simulated independence phase
• Cook, clean, and manage schedule alone
• Staff only available for emergencies

 

 

Week 18: Finalize Exit Planning

 

• Secure housing
• Confirm job or benefit income
• Set up outpatient therapy
• Review discharge packet

 

 

Week 19: Graduation Prep

 

• Celebrate milestones
• Invite family or support system
• Create “Life After Program” binder

 

 

Week 20: Transition & Aftercare Launch

 

• Move-out support (transport, setup)
• Assign aftercare peer coach
• Schedule weekly post-transition check-ins for 90 days
• Ensure follow-up medical/mental health appointments

 

 

 

 

 

👥 Program Staff

 

 

• Clinical Therapist (LCSW or LPC)
• Case Manager
• Peer Support Specialist (veteran)
• Substance Use Counselor
• Employment & Housing Specialist
• Nurse or Psychiatric Nurse
• Security/Residential Aide (24/7)

 

 

 

 

 

📌 Additional Program Elements

 

 

• Weekly resident meetings
• Daily structured schedule (meals, chores, groups)
• Transportation assistance
• VA benefits advocacy
• Optional family therapy