At Gandara, we feel every child should have the confidence, opportunities, and skills to be able to reach their goals for a healthy and stable life. The mission of our Adolescent and Family Services (AFS) is to create safe, therapeutic environments where families are supported in building success for themselves.

We believe behavior is not what a child is; it’s what they choose to do. Regardless of a demonstrated history of poor decision making, every child can, through appropriate feedback and effective effort, learn to make good choices. We help shape the child Reunification Program (STARR)

In facilities in Springfield, Holyoke, and Greenfield, Gandara provides support, stabilization, and assessment services to adolescents in this short-term (14 to 60 days) residential program, aimed at getting kids ready for reintegration with their families or guardians. Staff provides a positive and consistent strength-based behavior management system, in a stable, healthy, caring, and nurturing setting. Services include diagnostic assessment, stabilization, psychiatric assessment and medication management, psychological testing and family reunification.

Behavioral Treatment Residential (BTR)

In an all-male residential home in Springfield and a residential home for girls in Holyoke, Gandara provides long-term support, stabilization, and assessment services, addressing teens with problems that could include Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), sexual molestation, fire setting, learning disorders, and other social, psychological, and behavioral problems. Adolescents typically stay in the houses six to nine months. Staff provide an environment that is professional, supportive, and caring, encouraging healing and growth.

Hispanic Group Home (DYS)

Gandara foster families. Foster parents participate as integral parts of the treatment team by providing safe, supportive, family models to adolescents. The program is supported by clinicians who provide individual, group and family therapy and are available around the clock, to assure foster family support.

The Learning Center

For young people who do not have school placements, because of where they are in the social services system, Gandara provides academic services through the Learning Center. A Title 1 program sponsored through the Holyoke and Springfield School Departments, The Learning Center provides tutoring for young people with special needs. Certified teachers provide structured learning for the students, and Gandara undertakes educational assessments as well as emotional assessments on each student.

Gateway Foster Care

Gandara Center’s foster care program provides a temporary, safe, therapeutic home environment for youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. Foster parents care for children and are able to provide care and nurturing for the duration of the child’s stay in foster care. Medicaid pays for the costs of medical, dental and counseling services for the child. Foster parents receive a monthly financial reimbursement to assist with food, clothing and the basic needs of the child. Foster parents receive training and support from our professional team so that they can be successful foster patents to a child in need.

To become a foster parent you must:

• Be 21 or older
• Pass a Criminal Record check
• Be in a stable family
• Provide character references
• Have a regular source of income
• Pass a home assessment

Therapeutic Afterschool

Funded by DSS, this afterschool program for youth ages 12-18, focuses on homework assistance, recreational activities and prevention programming provided in a safe, supportive environment.Staff are trained to provide academic and social support to youth who have been referred by DSS.The goal of this program is to strengthen family permanency and assist with building interpersonal and life skills for the youth.