Starting Point

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“When I first came to Starting Point I had a street mentality. No one could tell me anything and I thought I knew everything. Now that I have been here for a few months I feel I can communicate better with my peers and adults. When I get mad I think before I act and that has helped me obtain my level 4 and hopefully be able to go home to my family soon.” – Starting Point resident

Starting Point is a residential program serving adolescent boys ages 12-18 who have been removed from their homes by the State.

The boys need supportive, therapeutic, and strength based programming. Starting Point provides a safe environment with specialized treatment services teaching:

  • responsibility

  • conflict resolution

  • decision-making skills

  • value of healthy relationships

  • independent living skills

If you or someone you know needs Starting Point programming, contact the Willis Center at 508-754-3006. 

Starting Point programming recognizes that each adolescent has a history of family, school and community difficulties, but that each also has a resilient will and the ability to overcome their circumstances with proper direction.

Culturally competent staff provide each adolescent with necessary support. Each boy has an advocate, a staff member with an open ear to bounce ideas off and to be a mentor and source of encouragement. 

Boys leave the program when they have made enough progress to move back home or enter a foster care program. While the boys are at Starting Point, their families engage in therapy through the Department of Children and Families, and Willis Center facilitates family visits and regular phone calls. 

The boys and family members undergo individual counseling, and every attempt is made, where appropriate, to reunite youth with their biological or adopted families. When this is not possible, Willis Center facilitates alternative living arrangements.