Comprehensive Services for youth in care
Together at HOME is a DCF-licensed and COA-accredited group home operated by LSF. Located in Leesburg, Florida, our program offers a safe, nurturing, and Christian environment for at-risk youth, specifically sibling groups between the ages of 12 and 17. We provide residential care that meets the psychological, physical, educational, emotional, and spiritual needs of each youth we serve.
Together at HOME is located on the campus of the Christian Care Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1985 by the members of First Baptist Church of Leesburg. While the church continues to be a vital partner the Christian Care Center operates as a separate nonprofit organization committed to a broader mission of “Meeting Needs and Sharing Christ” throughout Leesburg, Lake County and beyond. This partnership allows Together at HOME to be part of a larger community effort that unites churches, local businesses, schools, government agencies and civic groups to support those in need.
Together at HOME is committed to preventing abuse, abandonment, and neglect by focusing on the strengths and needs of each youth to promote safety, permanency, and overall well-being. Our services follow the guidelines of the Department of Children & Families (DCF), the Group Care Quality Standards Act (GCQA), and COA Accreditation.
Together at HOME follows a person-centered philosophy, empowering youth to take an active role in their care and decision-making. We honor the voices and experiences of our residents, helping them discover personal solutions through trust, respect and trauma-informed care.
Our staff build relationships by serving as compassionate facilitators by listening without judgment and recognizing each youth’s trauma history. This approach supports a lifestyle rooted in self-determination, supportive relationships and meaningful roles in the community.
Our therapeutic approach incorporates Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)®, an evidence-based model for addressing complex developmental trauma. Youth Care Specialists are trained in TBRI to build healthy relationships and manage behavior through trust and consistency.
We also utilize:
- Onsite clinical services
- Medication management
- Empower the Youth Project: A 6-week exploitation prevention curriculum
Together at HOME equips youth with coping strategies, emotional regulation tools, and ongoing support through trauma-informed, evidence-based programming.
Our residents receive a wide range of individualized services, including:
- Substance abuse and mental health screening and treatment (if applicable)
- Onsite individual, group, and family therapy
- Behavioral management and support groups
- Medication management
- Psycho-educational services and tutoring
- Discharge and extended foster care planning
- Medical and dental referrals
- Family visitation and mentoring
- Trauma-informed care for sexual assault recovery
- Education services, including GED support
- Keys to Independence participation
- Life Hub online trauma-informed life skills curriculum
- Job skills and career development
- Bible study, youth group, and church participation
- Enhanced services include:
- Increased supervision when needed
- Separate bedrooms when required for safety
- Transportation for medical appointments and court-ordered visits
- DJJ case plan support and monitoring
All services are based on each youth’s individualized needs, determined through assessments such as the CBHA, Suitability Assessment and a Biopsychosocial Assessment conducted by a licensed clinician.
Youth referred to Together at HOME will be offered a pre-admission visit or virtual meeting. This includes:
- Introduction to staff and current residents
- Review of program expectations, rules and agreements
- Tour of living areas
Upon admission, orientation is provided to the youth and their parent, guardian or placing agency, covering:
- Program rules and caregiver expectations
- Resident responsibilities
- Services offered
- Behavior management practices
- Diversity within the group home environment (race, gender, religion, etc.)
Written policies covering visitation, discipline and resident care are provided to the youth’s full care team. We encourage and support family involvement by addressing barriers such as transportation and helping guardians engage in the youth’s care.
Together at HOME is staffed by trained Youth Care Specialists who are over the age of 21 and hold at least a high school diploma. Our diverse team of specialists, managers, and volunteers reflects the backgrounds of the youth we serve.
All staff:
- Pass extensive background screening
- Complete pre-service training in trauma-informed care, TBRI, life skills and employment coaching
- Receive a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education annually to maintain high-quality standards of care
Through our structured, supportive approach, we aim to:
- Provide a home-like environment and ensure youth safety
- Build on youth and family strengths
- Increase resilience and promote protective factors
- Support recovery and enhance life quality
- Improve placement stability and promote permanency
- Increase school attendance and decrease incidents of re-abuse or neglect
- Reduce arrests, runaways (elopements), and Baker Acts
Together at HOME is located at:
125 N 13th St. Leesburg, FL 34748
Nestled on the beautiful Christian Care Center campus in the heart of Central Florida, our location is minutes from community parks, local shops and outdoor activities between Lake Harris and Lake Griffin.
