"Every Teen Deserves Equal Opportunity"
-Shmuel Harris, Co-Founder
"We Will Never Stop Working To Save
The Lives Of Teens In Need"
-Shlomo Mizrachi, Co-Founder
The Balance Approach
The Balance Approach focuses on building meaningful relationships with homeless and at-risk teens, understanding that real change only happens when they are ready to accept help. Through trust and connection, we guide these teens toward the support they need, even when the path seems difficult. We know that without strong bonds, homeless and at-risk teens are less likely to seek assistance, which is why we prioritize building trust first.
By offering a variety of support programs, we equip them with the tools they need to overcome challenges, from housing solutions to therapy referrals. At The Balance, we believe that the foundation of change is showing teens they are cared for and supported. As we walk alongside them, we empower them to take the necessary steps toward healing and growth. Our approach is centered on creating lasting, positive outcomes by meeting teens where they are and guiding them toward functional adulthood.
The Balance Approach to Rehab for Teens
At The Balance, we understand that traditional rehab programs often do not yield the desired results for many teens, especially if they are not ready to fully commit to the process. Moreover, the high cost of these programs can lead to significant financial burdens, leaving families in debt without guaranteeing success. Rather than investing substantial resources into rehab programs before a teen is prepared, we focus on guiding them through the early stages of recovery. We do this by accompanying them to meetings, helping them find suitable sponsors, and offering ongoing support throughout their first 90 meetings in 90 days. This approach allows teens to take the necessary steps toward recovery at their own pace, with the added benefit of continuous, personalized support.
By prioritizing readiness and engagement, we believe we provide teens with a much more effective and sustainable pathway to recovery than traditional rehab programs. In situations where rehab is 100% necessary, we have found that rehabs which claim to have alternative solutions outside of the 12 steps or other external therapies often cost parents significantly more money and are less effective. Our research shows that the most successful treatment programs are those that deeply engage participants with the 12 steps. Rehabs that require participants to read and memorize the entire 12-step book and traditions typically yield the highest success rates.
The Balance Approach to Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts
It is important to note that The Balance is not an emergency service and is not equipped to handle immediate, active emergencies. In the event of a crisis involving self-harm or suicidal thoughts, we urge individuals to immediately reach out to appropriate emergency services or hotlines for immediate support. While we are committed to providing long-term support and guidance, we are not able to intervene during an active emergency. During such situations, we take immediate steps to connect teens with emergency hotlines or reach out on their behalf, and in more urgent cases, we contact law enforcement to ensure that the teen receives the proper care and attention.
Even if a teen makes vague statements or references to self-harm or suicide, we are obligated to escalate the situation to the appropriate authorities immediately. While some might think that this disrupts our ability to build a relationship with the teen, in many cases, a cry for help is the teen’s way of asking us to call in higher authorities because they may not have the strength to do so themselves. This proactive approach ensures that teens in crisis are supported and kept safe during moments of vulnerability, all while maintaining a foundation of trust and care for their long-term recovery.
The Balance Approach to Assault and Traumatic Experiences
We recognize that past experiences of assault and trauma can deeply affect a teen's ability to move forward in their lives. To facilitate healing, we focus on connecting these teens with the appropriate trauma therapy. These therapies are essential in helping teens process and release the emotional weight of their past experiences. In addition to these therapeutic interventions, we provide a robust support community where teens can share their struggles with peers who have faced similar challenges. By fostering a network of understanding and healing, we empower teens to leave their past behind and begin focusing on their future.
The Balance Approach to Productivity
At The Balance, we believe that fostering productivity is key to helping teens transition into functional adulthood. We support teens in finding appropriate job opportunities, as well as assist them in enrolling in boarding schools or day schools that best suit their needs and aspirations. We also offer college-level tech programs to guide teens into tech careers, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Our approach is centered on providing teens with a sense of purpose and responsibility, which helps them build confidence and gain valuable skills. We find that productive teens are more likely to develop a positive self-image and a greater sense of control over their future. Through personalized guidance and resources, we help teens create a solid foundation for their future successes.