Our History:

Sanctuary Incorporated of Guam (Sanctuary) is a private, non-profit community based organization that exists to provide critical social services to youth and their families. It was established in 1971 as an alternative to the juvenile justice system for runaway, homeless, neglected, and abused youth. Since its inception, Sanctuary continues to seek ways to improve the quality of life for Guam’s youth.

Our Vision:

Sanctuary, Incorporated is a community- based organization which exists to improve the quality of life for Guam’s youth, promote reconciliation during times of family conflicts, and fosters the development of responsible community members, and advocate for their needs in an effort to preserve family unity by providing a multitude of services.

**Updated as of 08/25/2020**

 

 

 

Programs and Services:

CRISIS INTERVENTION / CASEWORK
Sanctuary provides immediate 24-hour community response and crisis  intervention to youth and families in need. The 24-hour crisis hotline provides immediate mediation and supportive counseling to diffuse conflicts, while also making referrals to other service providers as appropriate.

SHELTERS
Co-ED Emergency Shelter
The CO-ED Emergency Shelter is a community-based program specifically designed to assist runaway, homeless, neglected, abused, and other similarly troubled youth and their families. The program provides a 24-hour shelter as a safe home for runaway, homeless and victims of abuse for up to 30 days during which case management services are provided in resolving their issues of conflict in times of crisis at the same time keeping focus on strengthening the family as a collective unit. The case management unit includes crisis intervention, individual program planning, group and family counseling, aftercare, outreach and referrals. The primary purpose of the program is to

1. provide a viable temporary safe alternative to the natural home, detention center or the streets; and
2.  to facilitate the problem-solving process of case management by lowering the level of tension in the family to a point in which constructive dialogue may begin.

Sagan Linala (A Place for a Better Life) Transitional Living Program
The Transitional Living Program is back in service after 4.5 years of being inactive. The Transitional Living Program, now referred to as “Sagan Linala”, which means “A Place for a Better Life” in Chamorro language, is an 18-month program for youth, ages 16-22, including pregnant and/or parenting youth  with up to 3 dependents, ages 0-9, who are transitioning towards  independence and self-sufficiency. Throughout the 18 months, the youth will engage in life-skills training and services such as supportive counseling and an individualized program plan. The overall goal of this program is to help youth achieve independence and self-sufficiency to prevent long-term dependency on social services.

Sagan Na’Homlo (A Place for Healing) Residential Treatment Facility
The Sagan Na’homlo (A Place for Healing) Residential Treatment Facility is the only residential treatment facility for youth in the Micronesian region. Sagan Na’homlo is a three to six months residential program for chemically-dependent youth, ages 12 through 18. Sagan Na’homlo youth live in a therapeutic community and progresses at their own pace as they are  empowered to move closer towards a sober and healthier lifestyle. Sagan Na’homlo offers services that include group and individual counseling for substance abuse, early recovery skills, relapse prevention, emotional wellness, and weekly counseling and adolescent education.

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES / COUNSELING GROUPS

1. Youth Groups

• Youth Anger Management

• Tobacco Cessation / Nicotine Education (TC/Ed)

• Drug & Alcohol Screening and Assessment

• Intensive Outpatient Groups (High Hopes) & Outpatient Groups (Pathways)

• Inafa’Maulek (To Make Right) Summer / After-School Youth Cultural Program

• Adult Anger Management

• Parent Support and Parenting Skills 

• Strengthening Families Program (SFP) 

“AYUDA PARA I KOMUNIDAT” (HELP FOR THE COMMUNITY) AMERICORPS PROGRAM
Sanctuary’s AmeriCorps – Ayuda Para I Komunidat Program is the oldest and largest program on Guam that focuses on strengthening communities by empowering the members to carry out enrichment activities and have direct involvement in the community. AmeriCorps members assist and mentor consumers in the Sanctuary shelters and beneficiaries in the different Department of Youth Affairs Resource Centers and public schools. Members also participate in revitalizing public parks/lands and educating the community about environmental stewardship and environmentally-conscious practices. Members co-facilitate all of Sanctuary’s Supportive Counseling Groups and conduct community outreach projects while working in collaboration with various organizations and programs to encourage capacity building and volunteer recruitment. In addition, members receive trainings in First Aid/CPR, CERT, etc. Only U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 17 years of age or older with a high school diploma or is working towards receiving a high school diploma or GED are eligible to apply. Individuals with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply for AmeriCorps.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Sanctuary conducts monthly community outreaches in an effort to contribute to the betterment of the lives of the youth and families we serve. Sanctuary works closely alongside its governmental partners as well as other non-profit  organizations to raise a heightened awareness of challenges and to empower the community to make informed decisions, thereby improving their quality of life.

**Updated as of 08/25/2020**