BOSS, in collaboration with the Mixed Behavior Foundation, is revolutionizing mental health and self-sufficiency for youth through an innovative approach that bridges healthy living with holistic well-being. This partnership, characterized by a shared dedication to social justice and community empowerment, is making a profound impact on transitional aged youth (TAY) in Alameda County.
Meekland House: A Beacon of Hope for Transitional Age Youth
Located in the unincorporated area of Hayward, CA, Meekland House serves as a cornerstone of BOSS' commitment to transitional aged youth. This supported independent living facility provides housing for homeless, disabled youth aged 18 to 24. It offers a safe and nurturing environment for residents to grow, learn, and thrive.
Meekland House embodies BOSS’s dedication to fostering self-reliance and personal development among TAY. The program’s supportive framework ensures that residents receive not only a roof over their heads but also access to essential resources and services, paving the way for a brighter future.
The "Plant the Seed" Project: Cultivating Healthy Living and Community Engagement
As part of the partnership between BOSS Bay Area and the Mixed Behavior Foundation, the "Plant the Seed" project was introduced as a unique initiative aimed at promoting mental health and self-sufficiency among Meekland House residents. This project, led by Tim Gardner, the Operations Manager at Vira Grow who traveled from Las Vegas to facilitate the workshop, focused on teaching participants the importance of growing their own produce and embracing a healthy lifestyle.
During the workshop, participants were provided with a variety of fruits and vegetables, along with the tools and knowledge necessary to start their own community garden. This hands-on experience not only educated the residents about sustainable agriculture but also instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment as they watched their efforts bear fruit—literally.
Impacts of the "Plant the Seed" Project:
1. Promoting Healthy Eating Habits: By growing their own produce, residents have access to fresh, nutritious food, which is essential for their physical and mental well-being. This initiative has empowered them to make healthier dietary choices and understand the benefits of consuming organic, home-grown fruits and vegetables.
2. Encouraging Teamwork and Community Engagement: The project has fostered a sense of camaraderie and cooperation among the residents as they work together to cultivate their garden. This collaborative effort has strengthened their community bonds and created a supportive network that extends beyond the confines of Meekland House.
3. Enhancing Self-Sufficiency: Learning how to grow their own food has equipped the residents with a valuable life skill that contributes to their journey toward self-sufficiency. This newfound knowledge and experience will benefit them long after they leave Meekland House, as they continue to apply these skills in their personal and professional lives.
About the Mixed Behavior Foundation
The Mixed Behavior Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting health equity and social-emotional wellness, is a key partner in this endeavor. Through trauma-informed mental health advocacy and community engagement, the foundation provides underserved youth and young adults with resources and programs that support healing and empowerment.
To learn more about Mixed Behavior Foundation, and more collaborative work their doing with BOSS visit their website at www.mixedbehaviorfoundation.org
How to Apply to Meekland House
Those interested in applying for housing at Meekland House can do so through the following referral sources:
- Alameda County HomeStretch
- Alameda County Office of Homeless Care Coordination
- 211 Coordinated Entry system
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For more information about BOSS and its programs, or to learn how you can support their mission, visit their website at www.self-sufficiency.org
Together, we can plant the seeds of hope and cultivate a brighter future for all.
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