LOCATIONS
Empowerment Center for Adolescents
A safe and supportive environment for youth to access essential services for family reunification, kinship placement, or until a long-term placement is established.
The Empowerment Center for Adolescents is a safe and welcoming 10-bed shelter for youth who need emergency placement. We work closely with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide a supportive and caring space during a time of transition. Our goal is to help youth feel secure while connecting them with services and support to reunite with family, stay with relatives, or find a stable long-term home.
Address
8801 Lipan St. Thornton, CO 80260
intake hours
This location is currently not providing in-person intakes for mental health services. To get started in mental health services, click here. To get started with ECA, please call or email us. ECA provides shelter admission 24/7.
contact us
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Youth must be 12 – 17. Over 18? Click here.
- All genders are accepted.
- Youth must have a Placement Agreement with the Department of Human Services.
- Youth must be able to independently complete activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Youth must have manageable mental health needs and do not require more than an outpatient level of care.
- Youth with medical needs can be reasonably managed by qualified medication administration personnel.
- Youth living at ECA cannot be pending felony trial and have charges related to violence.
Services Provided by Referral
Individual Therapy
Whether you prefer virtual or in-person therapy sessions, our compassionate therapists will create a safe and confidential space for you to open up about your thoughts and feelings.
Group Therapy
Group Therapy consists of groups of 5-15 people and are led by clinicians who specialize in your area of need. With numerous sessions to choose from, our group model maximizes support and skill-building.
Family Therapy
Family Therapy offers virtual and in-person care, enabling families to make positive change. We utilize various methods like: exploring emotions, changing behaviors, and examining roles to enhance familial support.
Family Reunification
Family Reunification starts with identifying what led to separation. To help with this, we look into the challenges families face, their individual needs, and work with a team to bring the family back together or another safe alternative.
Medical Services
Medical Services helps manage your medications, and create a care plan that fits your indiviaul long- and short-term treatment goals. We also teach you about your health, so you can make smart choices and live a healthier life.
Case Management
Case Management ensures a coordinated approach to help you achieve your goals. Framed around comprehensive assessments, we address your medical, psychosocial, behavioral, and functional needs through community resources.
We provide…
ECA is an inclusive and safe community for all genders, identities, races, ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring with me?
What should I expect on my first day?
Can I have visitors at eca?
Will my parent or legal guardian be notified that I am at ECA?
Stronger together
Working hand in hand with local partners.
The Empowerment Center for Adolescents is the result of a dynamic collaboration among esteemed partners, including District Attorney Brian Mason for Colorado’s 17th Judicial District, Chief of Police Terrence Gordon for Thornton Police Department, Adams County Commissioners, and the City of Thornton. This collaborative network is designed to nurture youth in the community, within the shelter, and across every facet of their lives.
