Since 1989, New Beginnings’ staff has been challenging residents of the Transitional Living Program to dig deep and explore their limits through its Adventure Challenge (AC) Program. Youth have participated in 187 AC trips each rooted in the belief that youth learn by experience with a hands-on approach.

Juan* has participated in three AC trips, including skiing and snowboarding at Sugarloaf, exploring big-city life in New York City, and climbing and camping in Baxter State Park.

*Youth’s name changed to protect confidentiality

AC trips have given Juan a chance to experience adversity in a safe environment – a striking difference from the challenges he faced before he came to New Beginnings. Growing up, Juan’s life was full of constant family conflict. He left home at age 15 when it became clear that he was not welcome and things couldn’t be resolved. Juan came to New Beginnings’ shelter and then the Transitional Living Program (TLP).

“Sometimes you don’t know what you are capable of until you are dropped on the side

of a mountain, or in the middle of Times Square,” reflects Juan. “It’s not supposed to be easy. So when you complete the challenge it’s like, ‘Wow! I did that.’” 

Read the rest of Juan's story  

 Chris “Topher” Balderas, joined New Beginnings as a youth worker in the transitional living program in 2014. After a short break to obtain additional training and certifications, Topher was welcomed back as the Maine Transitional Living Collaborative (MeTLC) Program Coordinator. In early 2018 Topher was promoted to Outreach Program Director.

Topher who holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Human Services has worked for 12 years in the social services field including working with homeless and veteran populations.

Topher can be reached by phone at (207) 795-6831 ext. 219 or by email at [email protected] .

 

How did you make the transition from supporting Maine’s homeless LGBTQ youth to Outreach Director?

I rejoined New Beginnings in 2016 as coordinator of the MeTLC. The MeTLC is a 24month demonstration project providing comprehensive case management and housing specifically for LGBTQ youth in the three counties we serve. So by definition, we always knew that the project would end along with my role as coordinator.I knew that I wanted to find a way to stay on at New Beginnings, so we began discussions early on in the project to explore how we could make that happen. Part of that exploration focused on the vacancy that would emerge as a result of Marc Madore’s transition to Director of Mental Health Services. When the position opened, I applied.

     

Learn more about Topher