Klahre House Alternative School Offers A Sense of Belonging; Trauma-Informed Support
by Amanda Lawrence
Like most foster children, Christopher arrived at the Klahre House, one of The Next Door's two alternative schools, with severe trauma, a challenging family life, and drug addictions. He needed treatment, support, and a place he felt he belonged.
The Klahre House Alternative School was that place.
Klahre House offers therapeutic schooling that meets youth where they are cognitively, emotionally, and socially. Its focus is to use multiple modalities of learning in the areas of literature, writing, math, social studies, science, health, art and computer technology. Teachers use lectures, discussions, media, group and individual projects, guest speakers, and artists to achieve a range of educational goals. The Klahre House Alternative School has a credit recovery program, GED program, and a unique blend of therapeutic accommodations in our special education program. The program includes mental health and counseling services along with individual, group and family therapy, psychological and behavioral skill development, and more.
In the beginning, Christopher struggled, this is common, as complex trauma takes time to heal.
Through the loving support of his foster parents, trauma-informed teachers, staff, and counselors at the Klahre House, he began to thrive. He began working on his hurt, became dedicated to his treatment program, education, and succeeded in all areas. Christopher graduated from high school at the Klahre House and went on to the Columbia Gorge Community College where he earned several credits.
Taking all the lessons from the Klahre House, Christopher began to thrive in life outside of the school's structure. He finished his associate’s degree and got a job with a helicopter mechanic repair company.
Recently, he finished boot camp and tech school and made the decision to serve in the military and help others. This young man went from a life that was filled with trauma and pain, to a young man who has a degree, a plan, and a bright future.
Christopher's resilience and strength are an inspiration to us all.
About the Klahre House
The Klahre House is a program of The Next Door, the Gorge’s largest human services 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which serves over 3000 Gorge community members each year with programs that support and empower. For more information, or to donate, visit nextdoorinc.org.
