Life Designs is a therapeutic learning center that mentors and supports young men and women during their transition into adulthood, young adults, residential treatment, addiction, recovery, sober living, depression, anxiety, self discovery, Spokane

Life Designs

Life Designs is a therapeutic learning center that mentors and supports young men and women during their transition into adulthood. This transition is often a confusing and challenging process. It is a time developmentally where young people re-evaluate their values and beliefs as they begin to define themselves and their path in life. Our commitment at Life Designs is "Empowering Young Adults." We believe every moment is a teachable moment. Our trained staff uses an experiential training model to make work, relationships, community, recreation, art, music, and nature their classroom.Why Choose Life Designs? - Decades of leadership experience - Educational services - 24 hr. supervision by professionally trained staff - Clinical and life skills groups - Transportation to community NA and AA meetings - Wellness support: diet, nutrition and exercise - Fully integrated open community living - Experienced therapeutic teamLife Designs, located 60 miles north of Spokane, Washington near the Idaho border, is nestled on 30 acres overlooking the Pend O'reille River on the international Selkirk Scenic Loop. The area boasts a reputation for "one of the most undiscovered recreational areas in the northwest."

Overview

CurriculaThe objective is to empower and launch young people into self-reliant independence. The primary way this is accomplished is by experience and realistic simulation. The whole program, including the "rules," is set up based on what it takes to be a successful adult.Each client is encouraged to discover their own genius within. Clients realize that there are many ways to "be smart" and to succeed. One of the ways that this is accomplished is through encouraging and supporting student creativity.Clients learn vital skills like work ethic, financial astuteness, emotional intelligence, problem solving, team work and management skills. This is a leadership training course for those willing to courageously explore self and shift out of limiting patterns.The client creates their own "life design" through their experiences and research at Life Designs. They are personally guided by a staff "life coach." The goal is for a client to discover what works for them. This includes all areas of life; from self care to passions, from friendships to education, from spiritual to emotional.Life Designs also recognizes that a healthy transition into adulthood includes the parents doing their own transition at the same time. Guidance is provided for the parents through their interaction with staff at the learning center and by Randy Russell, director of parent training.There is a five to seven day interview in order to give the applicant, the staff and the clients the information needed in order to move forward. The interview provides the applicant with an inside look at the curriculum, staff and dynamics of the training. The successful applicant will have a strong commitment to utilizing the program and moving forward in his or her life.Enrollment is limited to thirteen co-eds, ages 18 to 30, in order to ensure the most empowering environment. The five phase curriculum takes a minimum of five months to complete.A Day In The LifeLife Designs empowers young adults by placing them in a realistic "life schedule" of responsibility, work, recreation, and leisure. "Natural consequences" are in place to reinforce success and minimize failure. The clients practice balancing work, responsibility, and routines which help them achieve a fulfilling life. During the weekdays students rise by 6:59 am and begin their day with 30 minutes of journaling, followed by a family-style breakfast and chores. Clients then engage in work projects, a variety of classes, group therapy and experiential outings. At 5:00 pm clients take turns making dinner for the group and have time to pursue their passions and individual empowerment plan. The group then meets at 7:30 pm to give each client a chance to review their day. A typical week at Life Designs is as follows:Monday: Passions day--an opportunity for clients to pursue their creative interests.Tuesday: Seasonal Experiential Outing: (Skiing and snowboarding in the winter, hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, ropes course, etc.) or classes.Wednesday: Group Therapy, work projects.Thursday: Work projects, 12 step discussion and meeting. Friday: Work projects.Saturday: Free time and Group Therapy.Sunday: Town Day - Students buy the weekly supplies and food for the ranch; 12 step meeting.Clients also meet weekly with their life coach, their therapist, and may have individual projects designed to uniquely challenge them.Self DiscoveryResearch confirms that most people learn best through experiences and simulated learning environments. Life Designs focuses on using these techniques to help clients learn skills that they can apply in their lives. The experiential learning process at Life Designs gives clients the opportunity to discover their values, strengths and passions through a variety of media:Management TrainingCulinary ArtsFiscal TrainingCaretaking an Organic GardenCare for AnimalsSkiing / SnowboardingKayaking / RaftingHikes and Night HikesRopes CourseWilderness ExperiencesVision Quests / Wilderness SolosHypnosisReiki and Energetic HealingIndividual and Group TherapyPassionsQuality of life is greatly increased when it incorporates fun and leisure, as well as those things that "feed the soul." At Life Designs clients are encouraged to create balance between work, hobbies and passions that excite and inspire them. One day a week clients are supported in pursuing their passions and incorporating them into their lifestyle. They are encouraged to hone their skills during weekends, evenings, and their free time. Life Designs offers a fully equipped music and art studio, animal husbandry, woodworking, acres of land for exploration, as well as many other options. Close proximity to ski resorts and the Pend O'reille River and Lake, provide a great variety of choices for the outdoor oriented: skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, camping, waterskiing, wakeboarding, fishing, kyaking, and white water rafting.Management SkillsStudents are given the opportunity to manage and run the facility for two to four weeks. As Facility Manager they make sure chores are completed in a timely manner with excellence. They plan and direct weekly shopping with a budget, and monitor the overall welfare of the clients and the animals. Clients practice taking ownership and responsibility for themselves and their community through work with gardening, landscaping, building projects, animal husbandry and ranch maintenance. Staff work closely with the clients encouraging personal excellence and helping them to develop skills that can be applied to their lives.Financial IntelligenceThe fiscal curriculum seeks to inspire clients not only to work hard but also to work as if they "owned a business." This is done through a financial training model that rewards excellence and an entrepreneurial spirit. Each week at Life Designs is a simulated month in the "real world," with a paycheck and bills to pay. Clients earn a weekly paycheck based on their level of excellence in punctuality, attitude, effort, safety and ownership. Clients learn to manage a bank account and are held accountable to save a percentage of their paycheck each month.Culinary SkillsTeams alternate cooking breakfast and dinner for the group. They are coached in cooking a variety of ethnic dishes such as Thai, Italian, Greek, Mexican and even Japanese. They are challenged to use different methods of cooking and baking to gain skills in culinary excellence. Education Tutoring is available for clients wanting to complete a GED. College classes are available on-line.Job PreparationClients at Life Designs have the opportunity to learn and research information and skills associated with a particular vocational interest. They are trained in skills that can be applied to many work and life situations. They complete a resume that includes their work skills and leadership knowledge gained at Life Designs.RecoveryLife Design uses a 12-step model to help clients with addiction issues or other destructive behavior patterns. Research shows that it is vital for a person in recovery to replace addictive behaviors with something more meaningful in their lives. Nature and experiential activities are used as a medium to allow clients to connect with a power greater than themselves. These practices along with life skills, animal care, and self-discovery create powerful and meaningful experiences in the lives of these young adults. This in turn helps to create a foundation in recovery. Clients are encouraged to take 100% responsibility for their actions while practicing rigorous honesty. This allows them to live their values, and walk with integrity through their lives. During their stay they are also guided to develop a passion or hobby that inspires them to dream and create.
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Staff

Staff - Left to Right Vincent Barranco - Executive Director - BA Education. After 9 years teaching in the public school system, Vince found the perfect setting to do what he does best--mentoring young adults. He acquired ownership of Life Designs in 2005 from the original founders Randy and Colleen Russell. Vince combines his work ethic and integrity with his passion for sports and recreation to inspire students to strive for a "work hard, play hard" approach to life. Vince and his family love being a part of the students journey to wholeness.Vince is passionate about back-country snowmobiling. He and his wife are active in their community and enjoy attending their son's sporting events.Kim Mlinarik - Clinical Director LHMC, CDP. Kim is a licensed mental health and addictions counselor and has been working with individuals and families for over 17 years. With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, she served as the Clinical Director and Therapist with a wilderness program before coming to Life Designs. Kim enjoys using the outdoors and fun to create experiential and transformative experiences for the students.Kim is an avid traveler, trapeze artist and yoga enthusiast.Clay Garrett - Program/Admissions Director. Formally schooled in biology and art, Clay worked for twelve years as a zoologist and freelanced as a science illustrator. During this time he traveled throughout the Americas chasing pitvipers and rubbing shoulders with really smart guys learning about experimental design. His desire for wide-open spaces ultimately led him to southern Utah where he started a new career in wilderness therapy. Clay worked for Second Nature Therapeutic Programs as a Mentor and Associate Field Director before joining Life Designs.Clay is an accomplished photograher and artist. When he's not behind the lens or canvas he's wading clear rivers in the Bitteroot Mountains luring big trout to the fly.Liz Miller - CNA, Reiki Master. As a fine artist in fiber arts, stained glass, and as a silversmith, Liz inspires students through creativity and positive energy. Liz has been with Life Designs for many years and her experience and intuition make her an effective mentor and teacher at Life Designs.Liz is passionate about organic gardening and weaving.Matt Donahue - Artist, Musician, Designer, Teacher/Life Coach, was a professional snowboarder and entrepreneur for 10 years. Matts experience coaching young adults in snowboarding and his renaissance skills make him a very positive and powerful motivator for clients at Life Designs. Matt frequently takes students on outings to the mountain or skate park and coordinates projects around client passions and ambitions.Matt is driven to help young adults find their passion. As an independent movie producer, Matt taps myriad resources to pull his projects together...including Life Designs clients.Jonathan Gross - Program Manager at Kedlin House. Jonathan attended Georgia State University where he studied at the J. Mack Robinson College of Business. Following several years in sales Jonathan accepted a position at Life Designs where he nurtured his passion for mentoring young adults. He is active in the service community of Spokane AA and assists struggling adults in and apart from his work at Life Designs.During his free time Jonathan enjoys trail running, raquet ball, board sports and hitting the gym.
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Parents

Parent ParticipationThe positive passage into adulthood requires change for both the young person and their parents. This is why parents of Life Designs' clients are actively involved in the progression of the launching of their young adult...and their own mid-life transition. The role of the parent is:- Be a vital part of the transition team.- Practice being a "consultant" rather than "manager" to their young person.- Be a powerful example of how to do life changes.Parent participation includes:- Read and do expansion assignments from the Life Designs Parent E-letter- Bimonthly staff/parent updates and strategies- Staff, parent, adult child conference calls- 3 to 7 day Rite of Passage *Additional commitments if an intervention is necessary"Empowering and Launching Young Adults" Parent WorkshopParents play a vitally important part in empowering young adults into self-reliant independence. This three day training equips parents with the understanding and tools to become positive mentors through this life transition. Participants learn how to authenticate, empower, launch and reconnect with their young adult. The transformative skills experienced in this workshop will help parents to breathe easier and enrich their lives while providing what their young adult needs to succeed.The training does not end with the workshop. Graduates receive a workbook to reinforce the skills and can participate in a weekly teleconference support call.The Parent Workshop is facilitated by Randy and Colleen Russell. They bring a wealth of experience and training in life transitions, launching young adults, women's journeys, and indigenous wisdom. They come with over 40 years of experience and Master's training in Transpersonal Psychology, Education, Youth Ministry and Recreation.These workshops are open to the general public, including educators, educational consultants, coaches and therapists. For additional information on this workshop, coaching and other services go to: www.empoweringyoungadults.com Testimonials available by request. Rights of Passage CeremonyThe Life Designs "Rite Of Passage" is a formal initiation where the young person is accepted into the adult ranks of the family and community. It includes several components which end adolescence, recognizes the young person as an adult and establishes an adult to adult relationship between parent and child for the future.The ritual is divided into four segments:Adult Relationship Workshop: Parent and adult child design a positive, respectful union for the future. New roles are defined, family patterns are explored and individual characteristics are celebrated.The Celebration into Adulthood: This is a formal launch by the parents for their young person into adulthood. It is an intimate parent and child event or can be a larger community gathering where family and friends welcome the young person into adulthood.New Adult Expose: The young adult shares the journey they have taken to earn this recognition. They share the principles and goals that now direct their actions. This is also when they unveil their future plan, including the timeline for success.Application Vacation: Once the celebration is complete, the parents and young adult are off for a two to five day adventure. In a neutral setting, the new relationship that was just crafted is implemented and modified as needed. This sets the stage for a strong and expanding rapport for the future.The first three components take a full day and are facilitated by Randy Russell, the parent training director. Parent Testimonials"A big thanks to you my friends at Life Designs. You have been so supportive of Kyle and me throughout this last year. Yesterday we received another blessing, Kyle has been accepted to Savannah College of Art and Design for the fall semester!!!! Orientation begins September 7, so the next few weeks will be a blur, but the best blur possible. Wanted all of you to know. Thanks again my friends." - Denise"After going to the desert program they sent our daughter to you. Life Designs, being abstinent, and your good orderly direction, gentle, strong, balanced, structured, over time she needed that time, along with our nurturing from a distance, all that helped her to heal." - Lynn"When most adults are ready to throw in the towel with these young whippersnappers, you guys seem to know exactly what to say so that it really impacts them. I can't tell you how grateful I am for what you do and I pray that Jess will become someone you can count on to help educate other kids in you program about what it takes to be successful through experiences he has been through. He just seems so much more alive than he has been in over a year. Thanks again and please let me know how you think it is going." - Bob"I would have never imagined less than one year ago that my wife and i would enjoy the relationship we now have with our son; nor would i have the confidence i how have in his future. He is working very hard these days, setting goals for himself, and taking one day at a time. My wife and I have been free of sleepless nights, frequent arguments with our Son, and the general chaos that characterized our household in the first half of 2005. We are grateful to the staff at Life Designs for being such a big part of our son's transition. We have seen so many prayers answered. I look forward to conversations and time spent with my son. I am so proud of him. Thank you!" - Chris H.
Clients No Frame

Who Are They?Life Designs specializes in working with young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30. Clients may possess one or more of these characteristics: think outside the box; learn well through hands-on experiences; may not have responded to a traditional school environment; motivated to move forward in life; exhibit patterns of destructive or addictive behaviors that have sabotaged their progress; creative; artistic or musically inclined; may struggle with depression or anxiety.Testimonials"Hello Life Designs...I'm writing to you happier than ever on my one year sobriety birthday! Sobriety really does kick ass. I've been through a lot and it was all worth it to be where I am today. I'm still excited about life." - Matt R."My name is Koby and I am the creator of where I want to go. I choose, Happiness, Strength, and Love. Thank you Life Designs. You helped me to change my life." - Koby Y."Through the sessions, I learned some things that have turned me into a person I would not have become for years." - Dexter J."I just wanted to write to tell you thank you for everything you've done for me. You taught me how to live my life with integrity. You are an inspiration. Thank you for everything. God bless you." -Casey C."I am enrolled in San Antonio right now but I plan to transfer to Austin within a year. I may not even be in college without your support and motivation. I was going to settle for a GED but you pushed me to complete high school, which ultimately opened the door for me to attend college. I am expecting to end up with a 3.5 GPA my first semester. Your friend always," -Sam W."Felicia, our daughter, is living with us and is a full time student at UK (University of Kentucky). She is doing well in school and a joy to have in our home. We are so blessed to have had the opportunity to send her to Life Designs. Many thanks for helping us all find our way." - Warmest Regards, Bev B.
Kedlin House No Frame

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Kedlin HouseKedlin House is the new second phase of Life Designs. At Kedlin House the clients are able to work and go to school while living in an independent environment. The clients continue to receive guidance from a staff member living in an adjoining apartment.During their time at Kedlin House clients put into practice their personalized Life Design, practicing routines, hobbies and passions that excite and inspire them, while moving forward with a school or career path. They receive weekly life coaching and therapy while working their recovery program. They stay connected with their community by being a mentor to Phase I clients and participating in other community service projects.Kedlin House is also an option for young adults who have completed a residential or transitional program, and are looking for continued guidance in creating a successful design for their life.
FAQ No Frame

Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: How many clients do you take and what is the age range?A: Life Designs houses 12 clients at the Cusick location and 8 clients at Kedlin House, our transition facility in Spokane. We work with young adults from 18-30 years of age.Q: What types of clients does Life Designs accept?A: Life Designs admits young adults, male or female, who struggle with maturity and the responsibility of adulthood. Clients may also struggle with issues related to substance abuse, PTSD and anxiety. The ideal client is one who is motivated to make a positive change in their life. Q: How much does Life Designs Cost?A: There is a one time admissions and 7 day interview fee of $1200. Primary fees are on a sliding scale depending on length of time stayed. Please download our application for details.Q: Does Life Designs accept insurance?A: No. Life Designs is private pay. We can provide insurance codes for billable therapy hours.Q: Are there financing options available?A: Yes. Life Designs, Inc. partners with American HealthCare Lending to provide options for financing the cost of our program. Click on the Applications tab for more information. Q: What is the average length of stay?A: Clients usually stay between 5 and 7 months.Q: Do clients have access to IPods and computers?A: Clients have immediate access to IPods or other MP3 players. Computer/WiFi access is granted after 4 weeks of residence.Q: Is visitation allowed?A: Yes. After parents have attended the Parent Workshop, they may visit and take their son/daughter on a weekend excursion.Q: Life Designs is in a somewhat rural location...do clients have much social interaction?A: Absolutely. All clients routinely travel to Spokane, Newport and Sandpoint, ID for shopping, movies, NA/AA meetings, etc.Q: Can clients leave the property or program?A: We have guidelines, and as adults, clients are free to do either.Q: Do you offer clases?A: Yes. Clients can take online classes, finish high school, or get their GED.Q: Is Life Designs a 12-step program?A: We are an integrated 12-step program. Clients apply the principles in their everyday life and attend NA/AA meetings 3x weekly. Those clients without substance issues attend to support thier peers.Q: What about wellness...are clients required to workout?A: Yes. All clients are members of the Camas Wellness Center and workout 3 days a week for a minimum of one hour. They have access to a basketball gym, swimming pool, sauna, climbing wall, and high-end weight training facility. Additionally they can take, spinning, yoga and Zumba classes.Q: Are there group activities for the clients?A: Yes. Clients participate in many activities depending on the season. These include: Kayaking, hiking, whitewater rafting, swimming, biking, skateboarding, wakeboarding, skiing, snowboarding, rock-climbing, camping, concerts, culinary classes, film and music production, yoga and scuba classes.Q: Do you screen for drug and alcohol use?A: Yes. Substance screenings are administered randomly, or when clients are under suspiscion of use.Q: Are medications dispensed?A: Yes.
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Application No Frame

Financing OptionsLife Designs, Inc. partners with American HealthCare Lending to provide options for financing the cost of our program.American HealthCare Lending has a nationwide Lender Network with over 700 banks, credit unions and specialty lenders ready to serve you. Their lending experts work directly with you to find the best financing options available based on your unique circumstances.

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