2016 YATA Symposium Emphasizes Collaboration and Legacy

 

Offering three specialized programs, Q &A Associates provides young adults with a range of critical skills and step-by-step guidance toward independent living. Q & A Associates primarily assists clients with anxiety and other mental health diagnoses and is affiliated with the Young Adult Transition Association (YATA).

Founded in 2011, YATA recently held its 2016 symposium, Rooted in History, Building a Legacy, at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Conference Center in Idaho. The symposium’s hybridized title was chosen to reflect the cooperative atmosphere between former competitors, as well as the desire to leave behind a collaborative legacy. This year, the three-day symposium featured multiple roundtable discussions and lectures on topics such as adolescence and cross-cultural immersion. Other topics of interest were Internet and video game addiction, leadership, and suicide risk in young adult programs. Sponsors of the symposium included Benchmark Transitions and Red Mountain Sedona.

For updates and information about YATA and its annual symposium, visit www.yataconference.com.

Five Points to Consider When Choosing a Young Adult Transition Program

Q&A Associates serves young adults ages 18 and over through the operation of three programs in Davis, West Virginia, that offer assistance with the transition into adulthood. Each of Q&A Associates’ programs focus on a different niche group and cater to the individual challenges they experience. The following points are tips for selecting the best program for your child’s needs.

1. Determine your child’s needs. Before you begin looking at potential programs, determine what your child needs. You can also seek professional assistance to help identify your child’s core issues and individual challenges, but remember to check the credentials of the professional before accepting placement advice.

2. Do your research. Perform research on types of programs and the kinds of services they typically offer. You also may want to familiarize yourself with the traits most sought after in a successful program, in addition to the warning signs of a questionable program.

3. Consider programs with an accreditation. Accreditation from regional and national agencies serves as signs that a program received the approval of industry leaders.

4. Examine the curriculum. Review the program’s curriculum and the approach it takes to providing instruction and guidance. This includes an examination of the program’s principles and goals. Additionally, look for opportunities to practice and develop important life skills.

5. Inquire about living accommodations. Inquire about the accommodations for residential programs, such as where the child will stay and what amenities are available to them.

Saddles and Smiles Hosts First Talent Show at Jefferson Fairgrounds

Based out of Davis, West Virginia, Q & A Associates works with young adults who experience difficulty transitioning into adulthood, including those dealing with substance abuse. The company provides recovery support, offering numerous opportunities for these individuals to gain independence and enhance their life skills. As an organization dedicated to helping others, Q & A Associates supports several local charitable endeavors, including Saddles and Smiles situated in Jefferson County, West Virginia.

Saddles and Smiles is a 4-H therapeutic riding club that helps disabled children. Its horses, volunteers, and participants gather on the third Thursday of every month. However, what sets the organization apart is that it gives able-bodied children an opportunity to work directly with the horses and disabled children. This allows every child a chance to learn from each other. It also features a community project called Ponies and Promises, which allows disabled children and adults who are not of 4-H age a chance to partake in therapeutic riding opportunities.

On June 3, 2016, Saddles and Smiles hosted its first talent show held at the Jefferson Fairgrounds in Kearneysville. All people with developmental or physical disabilities were called to participate, and everyone was invited to support the special needs community. Participants sang, told jokes, and danced.

Young Adult Transition Association Symposium Planned for October 2016

Serving young adults facing difficulties transitioning into adulthood, Q & A Associates operates three therapeutic programs in the Canaan Valley of West Virginia. In addition to its work with the programs, Q & A Associates maintains membership with the Young Adult Transition Association (YATA), which is preparing to host its 3rd Annual Symposium in October.

The YATA Symposium provides a forum for members of the organization to come together to support issues and practices of common interest, while enhancing the quality of care for young adults and their families. A collaborative event dedicated to the treatment of young adults, it features a variety of educational presentations, breakout sessions, and roundtables for industry professionals. Additionally, attendees have access to networking lunches, an afternoon social, and an afternoon lake cruise.

Attendance costs $345 for members and $380 for nonmembers and the symposium will take place October 19-21, 2016 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort in Idaho.

Five Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy

An operator of transitional young adult programs in West Virginia, Q & A Associates focuses on helping young adults overcome challenges related to transitioning into adulthood. One technique employed by Q & A Associates programs is equine-assisted learning (EAL), which allows young adults to acquire a variety of life skills by working with horses. EAL offers a number of benefits.

1. Improves physical and psychological condition. Working with horses can improve emotional well-being and contribute to numerous physiological benefits, such as reduced anxiety, decreased blood pressure, and self-empowerment. Forming a bond with a horse also can build confidence, trust, and patience.

2. Provides low-stress social interaction. Individuals who struggle with social interactions often need a patient and nonjudgmental environment to successfully build up their social skills. Horses allow these individuals to practice their social skills and learn to form healthy relationships.

3. Develops fine and gross motor skills. Working with horses allows individuals who experience difficulties with fine and gross motor skills to receive the necessary exercise for various muscles in the body. In addition, horseback riding helps develop balance, strength, and muscle control.

4. Fosters responsibility. Caring for a horse requires a significant amount of work, including regular feedings, exercise, and social interaction. Attending to the horse’s needs fosters responsibility and helps individuals develop a sense of discipline.

5. Flexible application. Equine-assisted therapy works for individuals with a variety of challenges, ranging from physical and mental conditions to problems with addiction and mood disorders.

About Q & A Associates

Q & A Associates manages three residential wilderness camps in West Virginia. In addition to working directly with young adults, the organization offers a program designed to help parents “let go” and transition to the next phase of life. Q & A Associates offers this coaching through parent strategists who work both with parents and their young adults.

Parent strategists at Q & A Associates begin by teaching parents how to transition into a supportive role of their young adult children rather than merely enabling them unintentionally. This program helps parents empower their children to succeed on their own and take ownership of their accomplishments. In terms of the transition itself, parents learn how to “let go,” which provides the opportunities for both their young adults and themselves to make a healthy transition.

Above all else, parent strategists help parents communicate with their young adults and see themselves as supportive resources rather than critical caretakers. To learn more about parent coaching services at Q & A Associates, visit the official website at qa-associates.com.