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The House Leads Teens Down Positive Path

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Jun 27, 2012 at 6:37 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jun 28, 2012 at 2:15 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- A local place that takes in homeless teens, called The House, has only been open for about a month, but it is already sharing its success stories.

Officials say they are expecting around 160 kids to go in and out of The House per year. "Wow, we're really excited. In the short period of time we've had some real success stories and some kids who have really moved forward," said John Mok-Lamme, executive director of Karis Inc.

Some of the kids who have stayed at The House have gotten jobs, joined the job corps and even gotten into major universities. "It's incredible to see these move on in such a short amount of time to something positive," said Mok-Lamme.

Officials say some kids who go in and out of The House say it's the safest place they've been in a long time. "Two adults are here most of the time, a case manager, and we have mental health people watching; this is a safe place to come and exhale and to think about your future," said Mok-Lamme.

The House holds up to 10 kids at a time for 3-week periods. "We haven't had any wait list, and for that we're really thankful, but the summers are generally a slow time, so we expect by the fall to be pretty full."

Officials say any teen who needs help can apply and get in within an hour; however, they don't take runaway children. "Kids have parents that just abandoned them. They say, 'OK, we're done, you can't live with us anymore,' or if we can't track down a parent, those are the kids we're looking for who really have no other option," said Mok-Lamme.

For more information call 970-241-1445 or go to their Facebook page at "The House, A Safe Place," or http://www.thehousegj.org.

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