Before You Apply
Thank you for your interest in NYEP's Community Living Program (CLP). Applying to the Community Living Program is more than completing an application; it's expressing your willingness to invest in yourself and commit to meaningful personal growth. Our Community Living Program is designed for young women who are ready to build the skills needed to live independently, maintain healthy relationships, participate successfully in work and community life, and create a stable future for themselves.
This is not a program where you are expected to arrive already knowing how to do everything. It is a program where you are expected to arrive with a willingness to learn, practice, and grow. Many of the questions throughout this application ask about your willingness, not because we expect perfection, but because willingness is where lasting change begins. You may not yet know how to communicate respectfully during conflict, or how to work alongside someone you wouldn't naturally choose to spend time with, or struggle with routines, or follow through on commitments, or manage your emotions, budget your money, ask for help, or believe in yourself. That's okay.
Our job is to teach those skills, coach you through them, support you emotionally when they're difficult, and create opportunities for you to practice them every day. Growth is rarely comfortable. There will likely be awkward moments, frustrating days, setbacks, and times when you'll question yourself. You may grieve old habits, feel uncertain about who you're becoming, worry about making mistakes, or feel tempted to return to what's familiar simply because it's easier. Those experiences are a normal part of becoming an independent adult. We'll be there to guide you through them, not rescue you from them. What we cannot do is build skills for someone who isn't willing to practice them. Once you submit your application, complete your interview, and accept placement into the program, our expectations become active.
By accepting a place in the Community Living Program, you are making a commitment to actively participate in your own growth. That means making a genuine effort to:
- Follow program rules and the Program Agreement you sign.
- Participate in 10–20 hours of structured programming each week in addition to your work, school, or other commitments.
- Attend scheduled meetings, appointments, and activities.
- Communicate respectfully with staff and peers, even when you're frustrated or disagree.
- Work calmly and constructively through conflict.
- Participate respectfully in activities and complete jobs with people you may not choose as friends.
- Take responsibility for your choices.
- Practice the skills you're learning, even when they're uncomfortable.
- Accept feedback with an open mind and continue trying after setbacks.
As a participant, you'll also be expected to gradually build the practical habits that support long-term independence, including:
- Maintaining your living space and completing daily household responsibilities.
- Grocery shopping and preparing meals.
- Managing your calendar and appointments.
- Communicating regularly by email and phone.
- Participating in volunteer service, employment, education, or job training.
- Learning to budget your money and build savings.
- Attending healthcare appointments and following recommended treatment plans.
- Contributing positively to the community you live in.
Real life doesn't always give us ideal circumstances. We all have to work with people we wouldn't choose, follow rules we didn't create, and complete responsibilities we don't always enjoy, wait for things we want, hear feedback we'd rather avoid, and keep commitments after the excitement wears off. These aren't just program expectations. They're life skills. The ability to remain respectful, reliable, adaptable, and responsible, even when life feels difficult, is what creates opportunities in employment, education, housing, friendships, and independence. Without these skills, life often becomes harder. With them, doors begin to open. When you do your part, we do ours. We'll teach, coach, and encourage. We'll support you emotionally through the uncomfortable parts of change. We'll hold you accountable with respect, and we'll celebrate your progress.
We don't expect perfection. We expect participation, honesty and effort. We expect a willingness to keep practicing, even after a difficult day or a mistake…because that is how lasting change happens. If you show up, stay open, accept feedback, and keep trying, we believe you'll accomplish things that may have felt out of reach before. Over time, you'll build confidence, strengthen your relationships, become more dependable, and discover that you're capable of far more than you imagined.
Is This Program Right for You?
The Community Living Program is designed for young women who:
- Are 18–24 years old.
- Reside in Northern Nevada or are willing to relocate.
- Desire support in becoming independent.
- Are physically and mentally able to participate in employment, education, volunteer work, and daily living activities.
- Are committed to remaining drug- and alcohol-free throughout the program.
- Are not currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or parenting children while participating in the program.
- Are prepared to commit to the program for approximately 9–24 months.
- Are willing to actively participate in learning, practicing, and growing, even when growth feels challenging.
If you're looking for a place that will lower expectations so you never feel uncomfortable, this may not be the right program for you. If you're looking for a place that believes in your potential, will challenge you with care, support you through setbacks, and teach you the skills needed to build a stable, independent future, we would be honored to walk alongside you.
The future isn't built in one big moment. It's built one choice, one conversation, one responsibility, and one kept commitment at a time. If that sounds like the future you want to create, we look forward to reviewing your application.
The NYEP Team