Rite of Passage

Step back in time for a night of Velvet, Vintage, Vegas! 🌟 Join us for the 1st Annual Gala supporting The Embracing Project, the only drop-in center in Las Vegas for youth survivors of sexual exploitation. Your night of celebration = their chance at hope, healing, and a brighter future. 📅 October 4th, 2025 🌍 The historic mansion of Phyllis McGuire 💻 Learn more and register now: www.velvetvintagevegas.com See you there! #velvetvintagevegas #theembracingproject #GalaForGood #WeareROP

100 miles. Countless challenges. Even more memories. This daunting journey turned into a powerful lesson in self-confidence, teamwork, and belief in what’s possible. In this video, hear directly from the students and staff who pedaled through the hills, braved the heat, and leaned on each other every mile of the way. 🎥 Watch the highlights from the ride and the moments that made it unforgettable. https://lnkd.in/gUK8Mijy #TourDeYouth #ROP #RAMSValues #100MilesTogether

🚴 Tour de Youth: Mansfield, Arkansas → Hot Springs National Park 🚴 At the beginning of August, six students set out to complete what seemed impossible. Over the course of nearly 100 miles, our students and staff biked from Mansfield, Arkansas through beautiful landscapes from Waldron to Iron Forks, and Ouachita National Forest, finishing strong at Hot Springs National Park. Led by Greg Townsend, his daughter Sara, and the Program Director at MJTC— students proved to themselves that mile after mile, they could go farther than they imagined. The ride was not easy. The hilly landscape tested their legs, the heat tested their stamina, and each mile tested their own resilience and determination. In the end, the hardwork paid off with every youth riding every mile on the final day. Through it all students leaned on one another and on their RAMS values that guided them through the journey. Top moments from students and staff included: 🔥 Making s’mores after a long day of riding ⛺ Learning how to pitch tents for the first time 🎉 A send-off parade with halls lined with cheering students, staff, and handmade signs 💦 Jumping into the water to celebrate with a swim at the finish line 🌲 Riding through quiet stretches of Arkansas nature 🚴 Crossing the final mile together The miles were hard, but the memories—and the proof of what’s possible—will last a lifetime. Check in tomorrow to hear from students and staff about their experience and see more from the rest of the ride! #TourDeYouth #ROP #RAMSValues #100MilesTogether

Do you lead with Respect, Attitude, Motivation, and Spirit? We call that the RAMS way—and it's how we show up for the youth we serve every single day. If you're a compassionate, driven professional who embodies those RAMS values, we want to meet you! We’re currently hiring in communities across the country: 🔹 Youth Care Worker – San Andreas, CA https://lnkd.in/gSsieZmu 🔹 Licensed Therapeutic Manager – Miami, FL https://lnkd.in/gi8JaVJV 🔹 Head of Service (LCSW, LPC, LMFT) –San Andreas, CA https://lnkd.in/g32E9Rns 🔹 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Mansfield, AR https://lnkd.in/gww24KWR 🔹 Youth Mentor – Idaho Springs, CO https://lnkd.in/g8GcPS5m Don’t see a fit but believe in the mission? Browse all open opportunities here: https://lnkd.in/gJ9n4cPM #Hiring #YouthServices #MentalHealthCareers #TherapeuticJobs #RiteOfPassage #MakeADifference

We believe effective care for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder means looking beyond the therapy room. While Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) remains a cornerstone of autism intervention, meaningful and lasting progress is achieved through true multidisciplinary collaboration. When Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational and Physical Therapists, educators, and mental health professionals come together, we gain a more complete understanding of each child’s unique needs. By integrating best practices, diverse expertise, and shared experience, we can develop holistic care plans that prioritize behavioral outcomes and the overall well-being, growth, and success of every child we serve. For this month’s #ThoughtLeadersAtROP, Sara Thompson, M.A., BCBA, LBA dives into how collaborative, holistic models are raising the standard for autism care. Read the full story and join us in shaping a more connected, compassionate approach to youth development. #AutismSupport #MultidisciplinaryCare #BehavioralHealth #YouthDevelopment #ThoughtLeadership #WeareROP #ABA

🚴♂️ Tour de Youth 2025: 492 Miles of Discovery, Strength, and Wonder 🌄 What started as a dream to ride across the country became something just as meaningful—a journey that redefined what’s possible for the young people we serve. On May 21st, five students and several dedicated staff from Canyon State Academy and San Pasqual Academy embarked on a 10-day cycling adventure like no other. Led by the inspiration behind Hard Miles, Greg Townsend, the Tour de Youth team took on the adventure from Escondido, CA to the edge of one of the greatest natural wonders on Earth, The Grand Canyon. Over the course of 492 miles, these young men pedaled through the stillness of Anza-Borrego’s desert springs, the sweeping sands of North Algodones Dunes, the rugged beauty of Ocotillo Wells, and the rich wildlife of Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. This was a chance to experience the healing power of the outdoors, the confidence that comes with completing a hard journey, and the kind of joy that only comes from doing something you never thought you could. These young riders showed up with courage and determination, and left with a sore body, cherished memories, and a great deal of pride knowing that they are capable of far more than they imagined. They got to enjoy the beauty of camping under the stars, a s'more or two, and many neat educational stops along the way. While this Tour de Youth trip may look different from its original vision, it has opened doors for youth who might never have had the chance to see a place like the Grand Canyon or feel the quiet peace of a desert sunrise. These experiences can be life changing for youth to understand that there is limitless potential in this world for them to take advantage of. The Grand Canyon is just a peek of that. These life-changing experiences don’t end here. We hope to bring these moments to our kids everyday, whether on a bike halfway across the country, on-site in a classroom, or outside experiencing everyday childhood experiences. These are the moments that matter. 📸 Check back this week on Instagram and Facebook for more behind-the-scenes photos, incredible side-by-side shots, and details from this life-changing adventure. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gVfRGaHy #TourdeYouth #HardMiles #RiteOfPassage #YouthDevelopment #Cyclingforgrowth

🧠 Thought Leaders @ ROP | May Edition ✅ What does the future of youth mental health care really require? This month, four of our clinical leaders reflect on what’s shifting in juvenile justice and child welfare—and what needs to come next. From holistic integrated care to workforce wellness, their perspectives are honest, forward-thinking, and rooted in deep experience. Read the full piece and join us in reimagining what’s possible. Calvin J. Kirklin, Ph.D., LPC-S, LADAC, CCMHC, NCC Ayla Mendez Emily Spencer, MAS-MFT, LMFT, CCTP Jay Maddox #ThoughtLeadersAtROP #YouthMentalHealth #TraumaInformedCare #JuvenileJustice #ClinicalLeadership #YouthServices #WeareROP

🔍 What’s the connection between mental health and youth in the juvenile justice system? For far too long, the answer was: very little. That gap in understanding came with serious consequences—limited access to individualized care, a lack of evidence-based treatments, and little to no focus on mental well-being. Today, we know better. Youth in the juvenile justice system aren't just in the system because they made bad choices. These kids are shaped by powerful and painful experiences: poverty, child abuse, parents with mental health conditions and substance abuse issues, and so much more. These early traumas manifest as emotional dysregulation, behavioral challenges, and mental health struggles that follow youth through their formative years, and without proper interventions, ultimately into the juvenile justice system. In our latest blog post, Christine Gwin, Director of Clinical Operations for Juvenile Justice Programs at Rite of Passage, offers a candid look at the evolving clinical landscape within the industry. She outlines the key interventions that are making a measurable impact and highlights how professionals seeking to elevate outcomes, reduce recidivism, and create truly rehabilitative environments can do so both through strategic direction and clinical clarity. 👉 Read it now: https://lnkd.in/gbAqVQCx #JuvenileJustice #MentalHealthAwareness #HealthyMindsatROP #TraumaInformedCare #YouthJustice #WeareROP #ClinicalServices

Last week, our campuses across the country came together to continue our commitment to prioritizing the mental wellness of the youth we serve, and the dedicated staff who serve them, during our Day of Mental Health at ROP. Campuses buzzed with energy as site leaders brought the day to life—crafting activities that blended fun with purpose. Whether it was artistic works, movement-based mindfulness, or student-led talks, every moment became a chance to connect, reflect, and remember the importance of mental wellness. The day brought a renewed energy to wellness, mentally and physically for staff and students alike. Bringing attention to mental health awareness isn't just an initiative for the month—it’s a daily practice, championed by the professionals at ROP who lead with empathy, show up with purpose, and build safe, nurturing environments where kids can thrive. 📸 See more of the student and program activities on Instagram and Facebook: https://lnkd.in/gVfRGaHy Thank you to the youth advocates who make mental and emotional wellness a priority, you make a difference during every interaction. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #HealthyMindsHealthyKids #HealthyMindsatROP #MentalWellness #YouthMentalHealth #WeareROP #TraumaInformedCare