As Executive Director of Thomas House, Tess Thomas has worked as a foster parent of severely emotionally and behaviorally challenged youth for over twenty years. Thomas House represents years of collective knowledge and training with high-needs youth. Central to the Thomas House philosophy is the belief that every youth, no matter how difficult his/her background or current behaviors, has within them the potential to become a healthy , functioning member of family and community.

Thomas House provides specialized care for young men ages 12 – 17 with emotional and behavioral problems. Many reasons place youth in foster care. When a youth is unable to live at home and is at-risk in the community the sturctured loving environment of Thomas House serves as a bridge from problem child to solution child. A solution child is a positive and productive member of his or her family and community. The goal of the Thomas House treatment program is to help at-risk youth stabilize their behaviors and develop an understanding of the thoughts and feelings that motivate them to act out. In this way they can to learn to live respectfully and compassionately within a family and community.

Because no child or youth should grow up in a group home, Thomas House embraces a philosophy that is inclusive of family to whatever degree is possible. We maintain continuity with family, to promote individual and family growth to honor cultural and ethnic traditions, and to encourage transition back to family and community. Family involvement in the program is welcome and encouraged.