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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.

Young person in a gray hoodie sitting outdoors, looking serious.
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?
Teen Parenting Program
Teen parents are referred to Teen Parenting Programs by DTA. If you have a DTA worker please reach out to them. If you do not have a DTA worker please follow the below instructions. 

How to Get a DTA Worker in Massachusetts
If you need to speak with a Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) worker — whether for benefits, SNAP Path to Work, or employment services — there are several ways to connect with them.

1. Call the DTA Assistance Line
      Phone: (877) 382‑2363
      Hours: 8:15 A.M. – 4:45 P.M.
      This is the main line for general DTA inquiries, but note that DTA has been experiencing high call volumes and may hang up on some calls due to staffing shortages MassLegalHelp.

2. Use DTA Connect
      Visit the DTA Connect website to report changes, view notices, and get updates.
      You can also use the DTA Connect mobile app to manage your account and communicate with staff Mass.gov.

3. Contact Your Local DTA Office
     Find your local office’s phone number in the DTA office directory or by calling the Assistance Line. Go in person during business hours for in-person interviews or to speak directly with a caseworker MassLegalHelp.
 
IRTPS
Referrals for IRTPs come from Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities, and services are funded through the Department of Mental Health. Please connect with your referring physiatrist or inpatient provider.
Employment Verification
JRI has partnered with EmpInfo to provide all verifiers (lender, bank, mortgage company, etc) with employment verifications through a fast and secure connection!

1. Verifier visits www.empinfo.com or 1-800-274-9694
2. Verifier follows process to register by selecting “verify now”
3. After registration is complete, verifier can obtain verification by entering the following details in the EmpInfo portal:
- Company Name: Justice Resource Institute, Inc.
- Social Security Number
- Authorization Code (if verifying income, you must obtain an
Authorization Code directly from the employee).
4. Verification of employment is immediate! If you run into any issues or need further assistance, please contact EmpInfo directly at 1-800-274-9694.
Record Request
Please click here to submit a record request. 
Referral Status
For an update on the status of your referral for community-based services (In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, In-Home Behavioral Services, Outpatient Therapy or our Community Services Agencies), please reach out to Lori McGahan, [email protected]. 
Job Application Status
To check the status of your application log back into the UKG account you created when applying. You can view active applications under 'My Presence' then clicking on 'Applications'  If you have any further questions please contact [email protected].


Check Status
Educational Advocacy
Please click this link for more information on how to access educational advocacy resources.


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?
Teen Parenting Program
Teen parents are referred to Teen Parenting Programs by DTA. If you have a DTA worker please reach out to them. If you do not have a DTA worker please follow the below instructions. 

How to Get a DTA Worker in Massachusetts
If you need to speak with a Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) worker — whether for benefits, SNAP Path to Work, or employment services — there are several ways to connect with them.

1. Call the DTA Assistance Line
      Phone: (877) 382‑2363
      Hours: 8:15 A.M. – 4:45 P.M.
      This is the main line for general DTA inquiries, but note that DTA has been experiencing high call volumes and may hang up on some calls due to staffing shortages MassLegalHelp.

2. Use DTA Connect
      Visit the DTA Connect website to report changes, view notices, and get updates.
      You can also use the DTA Connect mobile app to manage your account and communicate with staff Mass.gov.

3. Contact Your Local DTA Office
     Find your local office’s phone number in the DTA office directory or by calling the Assistance Line. Go in person during business hours for in-person interviews or to speak directly with a caseworker MassLegalHelp.
 
IRTPS
Referrals for IRTPs come from Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities, and services are funded through the Department of Mental Health. Please connect with your referring physiatrist or inpatient provider.
Employment Verification
JRI has partnered with EmpInfo to provide all verifiers (lender, bank, mortgage company, etc) with employment verifications through a fast and secure connection!

1. Verifier visits www.empinfo.com or 1-800-274-9694
2. Verifier follows process to register by selecting “verify now”
3. After registration is complete, verifier can obtain verification by entering the following details in the EmpInfo portal:
- Company Name: Justice Resource Institute, Inc.
- Social Security Number
- Authorization Code (if verifying income, you must obtain an
Authorization Code directly from the employee).
4. Verification of employment is immediate! If you run into any issues or need further assistance, please contact EmpInfo directly at 1-800-274-9694.
Record Request
Please click here to submit a record request. 
Referral Status
For an update on the status of your referral for community-based services (In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, In-Home Behavioral Services, Outpatient Therapy or our Community Services Agencies), please reach out to Lori McGahan, [email protected]. 
Job Application Status
To check the status of your application log back into the UKG account you created when applying. You can view active applications under 'My Presence' then clicking on 'Applications'  If you have any further questions please contact [email protected].


Check Status
Educational Advocacy
Please click this link for more information on how to access educational advocacy resources.


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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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