Community Connections Services

Paxen’s Community Connections Program provides day treatment services to youth who reside in targeted circuits in the Central region. The program serves youth age 14 through 19 referred by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice  and place on probation, or classified as minimum risk commitment by the courts. Youth referred the Community Connections Program receive a combination of Department-identified evidence -based services, strength-based gender specific groups, delinquency interventions, case management, guidance on completion of court sanctions, community supervision, community service  work projects and Paxen’s Life Skill training.

Services Provided

• Paxen’s Clinical Coordinators provide mental health and substance abuse assessments, and counseling to youth assessed with a mental health and/or substance abuse issue.
• Youth appropriate for GED services are provided access to HMHele program for GED preparation.
• Youth will have the oppourtunity to participate in the Jobs for Florida’s Graduates program specifically designed to achieve successful transition through high school graduation with clearly defined personal, educational and career goals.
• A life skills curricula that addresses social skills, personal health, food preparation, problem solving, financial literacy and other topics.

Current Service Areas

• Circuit 6 (Pasco and Pinellas counties)
• Circuit 9 (Orange and Osceola counties)
• Circuit 10 (Polk County)
• Circuit 12 (Manatee and Sarasota counties)
• Circuit 13 (Hillsborough County)
• Circuit 18 (Brevard County)

Marquesha’s Success Story

Marquesha is a young woman that has been struggling with substance abuse. Earlier thisyear she was arrested and in July 2015 was referred to Paxen’s Community Connection program. Through the support of the program Ms. Marquesha has been able to improve her social and problem solving skills and in a two months’ time span has double her initial TABE test score I educational scores so she can move into the advanced GED class in preparation for her GED test.

In addition Ms. Marquesha has completed all her court-ordered community service and substance abuse treatment. Through our workforce skill module, she strengthens her employment opportunities by creating her resume and interview skills training that landed her employment at Waffle House.

Ms. Marquesha is a great example that hard work, much determination and with the support of staff and supporters, that our youth can have their second chance to succeed in life. At Paxen, we are extremely proud of Ms. Marquesha’s accomplishments and know she will exceed our expectations.

To provide fundamental life, education and workforce skills that together form the building blocks for better lives.