On October 20, 2015, Wesley Way received the Literacy Volunteers of America’s Student of the Year Award. Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) is a national non- profit learning program for adults who want to learn how to read and write in English.
The Student of the Year Award is their most prestigious award and is given to a student who excels at LVA in their achievement, commitment and diligence.
Way enrolled in LVA when he was a client at NCC Family Service Bureau’s Gateway to Freedom (GTF) Outpatient Program and was referred to LVA by his counselor Stanley Ross. The GTF program is an evidence based holistic rehabilitative program designed to enable clients to reassess their values, goals and priorities in life, in a positive way while acquiring the personal, social and technical skills necessary for a successful and permanent rehabilitation and reentry into society as productive citizens, parents and coworkers. The staff at GTF recognizes that becoming literate will not prevent participation in crime, but illiteracy may preclude knowledge of the legal system, participation in treatment programs, finishing education, finding employment, and may interfere with establishing good social relationships.
After his admission into the GTF program on August 20, 2012, Way began to evolve and during this process was able to accomplish and exceed the goals set forth in his original GTF personal treatment plan. During his treatment process, Way eventually became 100 percent compliant with all GTF attendance and treatment policies, and displayed focus, commitment, diligence and perseverance.
As a result of his effort and accomplishments, the GTF Clinical Team awarded Way the GTF Certificate of Completion for his participation in the Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Programs. Due to the unique circumstances of Way’s situation, the Clinical Team determined that it would be in Way’s best interest to receive additional services at a lower level of care through our Outpatient Program. By providing Way with this continuum of care, he remains connected to the GTF case management services and to an ongoing positive support network.
If you have any questions concerning the GTF Program, please contact the NCC Family Service Bureau at 973-412-2056.
