Introducing “Connections”: Hilltop’s Newest Community Program

Hilltop is proud to introduce Connections, the newest addition to our growing menu of community programs. Formerly known as Karis, Connections supports young adults in need of housing and resource navigation. The transition from Karis to Hilltop began in October 2023 and became official in November of 2024, when nine dedicated team members from Karis joined Hilltop.

Leadership and Program Areas

Sterling Gray, Emergency Services Manager oversees several vital youth-centered initiatives like:

Street Outreach & Drop-In Center

Coordinator: Ruth Dry

Located at 362 Main Street, this program serves youth and yount adults 13-24 who are experiencing or at risk of homlessness. The Drop-In Center provides:

  • Showers and laundry facilities
  • Grab-and-go food items
  • Clothing
  • Comprehensive resource navigation: help with employment, public benefits, applications, health services, housing support, and essential life skills development.

Street Outreach is the gateway to all housing programs offered through Connections.

The House

Coordinator: Morgan Hurshman

This five-bed emergency shelter serves young adults ages 18-22, offering a safe and stable environment. Participants recieve skill-building support and tailored resource navigation to help them achieve self-sufficiency and secure permanent housing.

Transitional Living Program (TLP)

Coordinator: McKenna de la Garza

TLP is an 18-month communal housing program for young adults age 18-24 who are employed or enrolled in an educational program. The goal is to build life skills and prepare for long-term independence.

Resource Navigators

Indie Swenson & Ryder Sutton support participants across Street Outreach, The House, and TLP

Mercedes Castro, Permanent Supportive Housing Manager oversees:

Laurel House

A 34-unit permanent supportive housing program offering independent living for eligible young adults age 18-24. Support includes personalized resource navigation.

Communal Supportive Housing

A four-person communal living home for young adults requiring a supportive and stable environment.

Jaid Beacham and Ashley Merino provide resource navigation at both supportive housing sites.

New additions to Connections Programming

Expanded TLP Program

Coordinator: Kira Sawyer

This program now includes services for youth and young adults ages 17-22 who are aging out of foster care or paroling from the Division of Youth Services.

Hilltop’s Balanced Rock Community School, formerly known as Hilltop’s Day Treatment School, is led by:

  • Sonjia Hunt – Director of Education
  • Melanie Wade – Therapist
  • Nicole Cagle – Case Manager
  • Timi Meyer – Teacher
  • Susan DeForest – Teacher

Focused on academic achievement and social-emotional growth, Balanced Rock School will move from the Resource Center campus to Hilltop’s corporate building in winter 2025—providing an improved and inspiring learning space.

 

 

Leadership Update

In May 2024, Margery Brennan rejoined Hilltop as Director of Community Programs and now leads Connections. These exciting changes reflect Hilltop’s ongoing commitment to building a community where everyone belongs.