About Us
History
Founded in 1990, the Qualifying House (Q-House) program was designed to help youth transition back into the community after completing a structured experiential education program. This first phase of their program blended academics with outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, cycling, running, and tennis, fostering self-reflection and personal growth.
Graduates then advanced to the Q-House, where they developed independent living and job readiness skills. While completing their education, students earned vocational certifications, participated in internships, and learned life skills from trained staff in a supportive home setting.
Today, the Q-House upholds this mission, emphasizing independence and employability through community service, community job opportunities, and practical skill-building to prepare youth for adult life.
THE INTEGRATED CARE MODEL
The Integrated Care Model is the framework for programming and services at the Q-House. Beginning with a foundation of safety, accomplished through caring relationships, qualified and trained staff, fosters a culture where students can learn.
Staff model pro-social skills, utilize the appropriate amount of empathy and provide youth with problem resolution skills. Assessments identify individual student needs and strengths and develop their intrinsic motivation for change.
Evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions help students develop skills to overcome aggression, disruptive behavior, and heal from traumatic events in their lives. Since many of the students will return home, family involvement and treatment are provided at an appropriate intensity.
The normalized environment enables each student to develop and practice skills in the therapeutic, academic, vocational, health/wellness, family and community activities. Through these experiences, the student gains competencies and skills to attain Treatment Plan goals; then, new goals are established and the process of positive change is moved forward, creating a new vision and hope for the youth.
Meet Our Qualified Team
Lawrence Howell
Executive Director
Rudy Martinez
Director of Treatment Services
