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GRIP Program

GRIP is an intensive group home for all genders in Lowell, MA, serving transitional-age youth (16-22) with histories of complex trauma, mental health challenges, and behavioral difficulties. We provide comprehensive support within a structured, home-like environment to facilitate successful transitions to independent living.

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At a Glance
We equip vulnerable youth with essential life skills for independence through trauma-informed care and personalized support.

Age

16 to 22

Gender

All

Referrals

MA DCF and MA DMH
Our Approach

Growing Responsible Independent People (GRIP)

The GRIP Program is an intensive group home located in Lowell, MA. We serve transitional age adolescents who come to us with social, emotional, mental health, and behavioral challenges, and histories of complex trauma. The program strives to teach youth the skills they will need to succeed on their own in the future, including educational, vocational, and social skills. The program helps youth identify community resources and adult services as they transition from an adolescent setting to an adult setting. GRIP works to help adolescents integrate into the community in a supportive way through a strength-based model that identifies their unique capacities. Within the safety and structure of a home-like environment and a supportive community, our youth are able to build a strengthened sense of self, allowing them to move forward from GRIP with a sense of mastery and autonomy.


Six people holding letters spelling "GRIP" in front of a colorful mural.
Learn more about Trauma Informed Weightlifting at GRIP

Independent Living Skills Development

Our specialized curriculum focuses on the critical skills needed for successful adult independence:

  • Educational advancement and graduation support
  • Vocational training and work experience
  • Financial literacy and fiscal responsibility
  • Personal wellness and self-care practices
  • Documentation acquisition (IDs, benefits enrollment)
  • Adult services navigation

Community Integration

We prepare youth for increased autonomy through a graduated approach to community engagement:

  • Public transportation navigation
  • Community activity participation based on personal interests
  • Safe decision-making skills
  • Natural community connections development - build and strengthen a permanency network of supportive people
  • Individualized community integration planning

Clinical

GRIP creates a home-like environment where youth with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges can build core strengths through our trauma-informed care model. Using the ARC framework (Attachment, Regulation, and Competency), we integrate therapeutic support throughout all program elements, helping youth develop:

  • Capacity for healthy attachments
  • Skills for emotional regulation
  • Sense of personal competency and autonomy
Our Team

No team members found.

GRIP changed my life. I would probably be living on the streets today if I hadn't met the GRIP staff. They really cared and helped me to graduate high school, find a job, and move into my own apartment.

Cassie

Frequently Asked Questions
Referral Information

Referrals come from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and the Department of Mental Health.

Let's Connect

Valerie Krpata

Program Director

(617) 694-3853

[email protected]

Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. Our Service Navigator will reach out to you about your inquiry via phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above. 

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

What is your preferred method of communication?


Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. Our Service Navigator will reach out to you about your inquiry via phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above. 

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

What is your preferred method of communication?


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Joint Commission International Quality Approval gold seal.
JRI's intensive residential treatment programs, clinics, and community-based services are accredited by the Joint Commission. JRI's residential schools, group homes, day habilitation and Huntington at Symphony are accredited by CARF.
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