Admission Details and FAQ

1. Where is Youth Services Agency located?
The YSA program is located in the foothills of the Poconos.

DIRECTIONS TO THE A.C.T. Program:
From I-80
Take Route 80 east or west to exit 284, Blakeslee. Turn onto route 115 South. Go Approximately 2 miles and turn right onto route 903. Go about 8 and 1/2 miles and you will see on your right the “Alpine Bakery”. About a half- mile past this on the right turn onto Church road. Follow Church Road until the split in the road. Turn right at the split (this will be Behrens Road). Entrance to the camp is about 500 feet on the right. You will see a sign that says: Youth Service AgencyA.C.T. Program, Jim Thorpe.
From I-81
Traveling North: Take Route 81 to Hazelton area; get off exit for Route 80 East. Follow directions above.
Traveling South; Take Route 81 to Wilkes –Barre area; get off on exit for route 115 south, Bear Creek. Follow route 115 approximately twenty minutes, go past exit for route 80 two miles and turn onto route 903. Go about 8 and 1/2 miles and you will see on your right the “Alpine Bakery”. About a half-mile past this on the right turn right onto Church Road. Follow Church Road until the split in the road. Turn right at the split (this will be (Behrens Road). Entrance to the camp is about 500 feet on the right. You will see a sign that says: A.C.T. Program Jim Thorpe.

From the PA Turnpike (Northeast Extension)
Get off on exit 74 for Mahoning Valley, going north, this will be the first exit past the Lehigh Tunnel. Turn right onto route 209 South. Follow route 209 into the town of Jim Thorpe. Make a right at first traffic light in the town of Jim Thorpe (this will still be 209). You go about 1/8th mile to second traffic light, turn right onto 903. Follow route 903 out of town, up a long hill. You will go approx. Eight miles and you will see on your left the “ Jim Thorpe National Bank” About 500 feet after the bank, turn left onto “Church Road”. Follow to stop sign, make a sharp left. Entrance to camp is about 500 feet on the right. You will see a sign that says: A.C.T. Program Jim Thorpe.

From the PA turnpike with (Ez-pass only)
Get off on Exit #87 for Jim Thorpe; You make a left onto 903 south, travel about 1 mile and you will see on your right the “Alpine Bakery”. About a half-mile past this on the right turn right onto Church Road. Follow Church Road until the split in the road. Turn right at the split (this will be (Behrens Road). Entrance to the camp is about 500 feet on the right. You will see a sign that says: A.C.T. Program, Jim Thorpe

2. Are students able to receive and write letters? What is the mailing address?
All students can receive and write as many letters as they would like in their free time with no cost to them. The mailing address is 79 ACT Lane Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

3. What should students bring?
ACT residential program there is no need to bring anything with you. Youth Services Agency will supply clothes, shoe and hygiene products for your stay with us.
ACT weekend participants should wear weather appropriate clothes for the weekend. They should also bring a change of clothes, sturdy shoes and hygiene products. No cell phones or electronic devices are permitted.

4. What clothes do clients wear?
Residential clients are given seasonal appropriate clothes along with footwear, undergarments, jackets and hygiene products. All clients receive their own equipment and do not have to share with any other peers.

5. What are the visiting hours?
Visitations are on Sundays. They can be scheduled through their case manager Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm Males - Kyle Strocko (570) 249-4778
Female - Denise Muthard (484) 764-7221

6. How can parents be involved in the program?
In addition to weekly phone calls, parents are encouraged to participate in regularly scheduled service plans. Some students can also earn home visits based on home county guidelines and program recommendation.

7. Are students allowed to have money?
No money is needed for the residential or ACT weekend program, nor is it permitted onsite.

8. Do studentsattend school while they are at YSA?
Youth Services Agency has a private school license for student between the ages of 12-20. While at Youth Services, students will participate in a regular school day of classes, year round, where they can earn credits that will transfer back to their home school.
If a high school diploma isn't the right fit, a GED (General Equivalency Diploma) can be option at YSA with county and parental recommendation.

9. What do students eat while at YSA?
A certified chef plans and prepares our three full meals per day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your child will also get an evening snack daily. We promote healthy eating and our nutritious and delicious meals are provided free of charge every day.

10. Where do the students sleep?
Your child will reside in a rustic heated cabin, which includes a linen dressed bed with up to seven or students.

11. Can student do community service while at YSA?
Often, our students have the opportunity to complete their community service requirements and pay off restitution while they are with us. Opportunities include on and off-campus community service projects based on community needs.

In an emergency situation, you can call the YSA on-site Supervisor at (484) 239-8933 this number is only to be used after traditional hours and in emergency situations.