Within the walls of Manos House in Columbia, a new generation is finding its footing. At the nonprofit residential program for young men ages 14 to 20 with drug and alcohol histories, transformation happens every day through structure, compassion and a belief in second chances.

"We focus on a holistic approach," said executive director Chris Runkle. "We serve their needs from the substance use side, but we also serve their educational and emotional health needs as well."

Manos House has been guiding young men through that challenge since 1972. Originally founded as a halfway house for adults transitioning out of prison, the organization shifted its focus to adolescents, offering substance use treatment, counseling and education under one roof.

The education piece was especially needed, Runkle said.

"Our kids are coming in highly deficient in academic credits," he explained. "We may get an 18-year-old who has zero high school credits."

To remedy the issue, Manos House opened Prospect Grove High School, an on-site school with certified teachers and a small student-to-teacher ratio.

Although the school helped with one piece of the problem, the young men needed support in another area as well.

"We were seeing the young men being discharged after completing their program, but then we realized the homes they were going to weren't supportive," Runkle said. "There might be addiction in the home, or they might be going back to a peer group and social network that's not good for their recovery efforts."

To address the issue, Manos House opened a supervised independent living program, providing inpatient residential care as the men transition out of high school.

Manos House originated in downtown Lancaster, but even after one move in the city, it outgrew the space.

Today, the Manos House campus spans 14 acres and includes residential housing, classrooms, therapy spaces and an independent living program. It can accommodate up to 43 young men in the program, with an additional 18 beds in independent living. Students come to Manos House from across the state and into Maryland.

Days are highly structured. Each morning begins with a 6 a.m. wake-up call, followed by breakfast in the cafeteria and high school classes until noon. After a family-style cafeteria lunch, students spend time in therapy sessions focused on their specific needs.

"We are a strong proponent of not telling you what you need to do," Runkle commented. "We would much rather come alongside you and say, 'You're here. You probably don't want to be here, but what are some things you want to work on? Can we build a treatment plan around you being successful?'"

After school and on the weekends, residents may participate in activities ranging from more therapy to recreational time to play basketball or enjoy the on-site rec room. Evening programming during the week focuses on partnerships Manos House has developed with community groups. Students might participate in writing circles led by a retired Hempfield English teacher. Columbia Christian Fellowship, which leases space on the property for church services, offers Cell 13, a faith-based Wednesday night program. The guys also work with Lancaster Art Room, which is located on the property; complete service projects with their neighbors at St. Anne's Retirement Community; and meet weekly with Mennonite families that come in for Bible studies, games and socializing.

The young men also enjoy community outings to football games or corn mazes before lights out at 8:30 p.m. during the week.

Manos House operates as a 501(c)(3), and the program relies on insurance, grants and community donations, including support from Lancaster's ExtraGive, happening on Friday, Nov. 21. In a typical year, Manos House might see a deficit of $100,000 that's unfunded by any of its revenue streams, but families are never billed for services.

The on-site school also operates year-round but only receives state funding for a typical 180-day school year. Since students come to Manos House all year long, it's important for them to be able to jump right into school even if they arrive in July, Runkle said. Finding funding for teachers, staff and other expenses during that time is an ongoing challenge.

"We don't turn individuals away," Runkle said, "but we need support for those cases where there's no insurance or where we have extra funding needs."

Students may spend just a few months or up to a year at Manos House, with some transitioning to the resident program beyond that. But every young man who walks through the doors has the same opportunity to transform his life, Runkle said.

"We're planting seeds here," he shared. "We're setting them up with what they need to be successful in life, and we're doing that alongside them. Facing addiction as a 14- to 20-year-old is difficult. Addiction at any age is difficult. But we're telling a teenager, 'Everything that's ever worked for you is nearsighted and doesn't serve you in the long run. Everything that has provided you comfort in the past, we need you to give that up.' Naturally, they struggle with that. But every day, we work on those struggles with care and compassion."

To learn more about Manos House, visit https://manoshouse.com.