LifeTies, Inc.

LifeTies is an independent, non-profit organization that nurtures wellness and self-sufficiency in vulnerable youth, young adults, and their families. It is our vision that every youth and young adult can enjoy life's possibilities and have the resources to be healthy, connected and contributing members of their communities.

LifeTies has a 40 year legacy of serving special populations of youth who have experienced complex trauma and have additional layers of challenges. We work with youth who:
- identify as LGBTQ+
- are pregnant and parenting
- are homeless
- are involved in the juvenile justice system
- are chronically absent from school
- have behavioral health and/or mental health challenges
- have experienced abuse or neglect
- are involved with the child welfare system

Our programs include two group homes for vulnerable youth that are LGBTQ+, pregnant or parenting, and youth with chronic health challenges. We also have supportive housing for homeless young adults and mentoring programs for youth in the juvenile justice system, chronically absent or youth questioning or who identify as LGBTQ+.  Further details on our programs are as follows:

LifeTies established the first group home in the country, Rainbow House, in 1991 which focused on young mothers and their babies infected with HIV+/AIDS. Rainbow House currently serves pregnant and parenting youth as well as those with chronic health issues such as diabetes, asthma, lupus, etc.

Triad House was the first group home in New Jersey to focus on working with youth from the child welfare system who identify as LGBTQ+. Both of the group homes are located in Mercer County, but receive referrals from counties throughout the state. We provide the youth with intensive individual and group counseling, life skills, educational support, job searching skills, and family engagement services.

Mary’s Place is a Supportive Housing program for youth between the ages of 18-21. Most recently, LifeTies launched a housing program for homeless young adults in Mercer County for youth ages 18-24, including young mothers and their children as well as unaccompanied youth.  This has been a critical service in Mercer County, as homeless shelters are not appropriate for this age group and without this program, there is no other safe housing for homeless youth.

LifeTies also has a Mentor Program to provide a caring adult for vulnerable youth living in the community who are involved in the juvenile justice system or who are chronically absent from school. Beginning September 1, 2021 the Mentor Program will be expanded to serve youth who are questioning or who identify as LGBTQ+.