Our Vision: An equitable community where every young person is valued and experiences joy and deep fulfillment.
Our Mission: Supporting young people to overcome and thrive.
Since 1971, Positive Education Program has been supporting young people to overcome and thrive. PEP provides services – both direct and consultative in nature – for children challenged by complex developmental trauma, mental health issues and autism, their families and the professionals who support them. PEP is committed to understanding and overcoming the significant trauma and chronic stress experienced by many of the youth we serve. Programs include five PEP Day Treatment Centers (Chesnutt, Hopewell, Phoenix, Prentiss Autism Center, Willow Creek) PEP Connections, PEP Early Childhood Plus and PEP Assist.
Strength-based philosophy
Anchored in the time-tested philosophy of Re-EDucation, PEP’s family-centered programming is designed to identify and build upon the existing strengths of children – all within therapeutic and supportive environments rooted in the cultural commitments of The Sanctuary Model.
Dr. Nicholas Hobbs, the architect of Re-ED, once wrote that young people have a “tremendous desire to learn and to do well.” At PEP, we take that sentiment to heart and build upon the existing strengths of children and families, helping them replace self-defeating beliefs and behaviors with resiliency, knowledge, communication skills and confidence.
PEP teacher-counselors develop trusting relationships with young people that help them heal, grow and ultimately thrive. PEP embraces an organizational mindset – The Sanctuary Model – that fosters therapeutic environments where supportive relationships can blossom. Also, as a Phase II certified NMT site through Neurosequential NetworkTM, PEP is committed to understanding and overcoming the significant trauma and chronic stress experienced by many of the children we serve.
“Caring adults are absolutely essential in the lives of children if those children are to grow up strong in body, quick of mind, generous in spirit,” Hobbs wrote.
Click here for a flyer outlining PEP’s suite of programs.
Our History
PEP has touched the lives of countless children and their families for more than half a century.
Our People
PEP’s leadership is personally invested in the success of the staff, children and families they serve.