Lauri Burns, CEO founded The Teen Project, Inc. (TTP) in 2007 with a six-bed sober living home to help save the lives of troubled, young women. Since our humble beginnings, the agency has expanded into a full-fledged organization that has the ability to serve clients throughout various levels of care. Freehab (Sun Valley, CA): Licensed by the Department of Health Care Services to provide clinically managed detoxification and residential treatment services - 74 beds Freehab Crisis Residential Treatment Program (Sun Valley, CA): Licensed by the Department of Social Services to stabilize and serve those experiencing acute psychiatric crises - 16 beds Lake Forest College House (Lake Forest, CA): Sober living home that provides safe housing and a supportive, structured living environment - 6 beds Vera's Sanctuary for Women (Trabuco Canyon, CA): Licensed by the Department of Health Care Services to provide clinically managed detoxification and residential treatment services with an emphasis on human trafficking - 18 beds Vera's Sanctuary for Women Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (Trabuco Canyon, CA): Licensed by the Department of Social Services to provide care and supervision to children and non-minor dependents - 6 beds The Teen Project Outpatient (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA): Licensed by the Department of Health Care Services to provide outpatient services Since 2015 I have been blessed to be a part of TTP organization. TTP has a unique organizational culture that has been carefully constructed to help employees work towards their individual goals. The agency provides hope, training, and support to former victims of substance use, human trafficking, and homelessness allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members of the community through our internship-to-employment program. At TTP we place emphasis on team spirit, which in turn, brings us together like a family. TTP is an environment that values compassion, creativity, and collaboration at its core. A direct result of the explosive growth we have experienced since 2007. TTP considers workplace flexibility, working with a purpose, and a commitment to health and well-being as its top priorities by offering: 1. Retirement Savings and Planning Benefits 401(k) matching plan 2. Healthcare Benefits Medical plan Dental plan Vision plan 3. Financial and Career Benefits Life insurance 4. Paid Leave Benefits Paid time off/Vacation Sick time off Paid Holiday 7. Professional and Career Development Benefits Professional memberships Offsite professional development opportunities Certification/recertification fees Professional license application or renewal fees Onsite professional development opportunities 8. Work-life Convenience Balance Flexible work arrangements (telecommuting, flextime) Casual dress benefits (Casual Fridays) Free onsite parking Free coffee 8. Team-building activities and celebrations As the agency continues to evolve, the mission and core values remain the same. TTP has helped pave an invaluable opportunity and platform for me and it has been an absolute honor to serve as a vital member of the organization. read more

Working at The Teen Project has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in my career thus far. Being a part of an organization that solely exists to serve women of the local communities is something so noble, but also dear to my heart. It has been a goal of mine to be a part of a team that uplifts the community and help those in dire need through treatment, but also with humanitarian efforts. I love seeing clients come in with an ounce of hope and leave with a ton of confidence. This is all thanks to the foundation that Lauri Burns, the CEO and founder, has drilled into this place. And her work is not done. Right before my eyes, we've expanded to serve another demographic in need, female youth. And before then, an expansion to serve those who are encountering a compromised state of mental health. At this point, The Teen Project, Inc. has 6 programs. All separate but intertwined to serve our clients at different stages of their rehabilitation. To be able to serve these young ladies and provide different facets of care to them, makes it that much more special, as we don't leave them through the cracks. Giving them true hope (sometimes for the first time) and a full circle experience. I feel honored to be able to serve my community. Who are we, if those around us aren't uplifted? And that is the culture of the company. For the first time, I feel one with my work. Something that really stood out to me was the impeccable organizational structure. I really value that type of thing for a few reasons. First, that was the focus of my studies in college (organizational development/leadership) and second I compared it to my previous jobs. The Teen Project is professional yet personable. Structured yet understanding to personal matters and growth. I'm excited to be a part of a team where everyone's views in terms to servitude line up and a work environment where hard work does not go unnoticed. I plan to be here for the long haul and know that my dedication and diligence will make a difference in others lives and in turn mine. So, thank you for opening my mind and heart to a style of work I longed for. Love being a part of a team of such compassionate individuals! read more

The Teen Project truly saved my life and helped me rebuild it from the ground up. This residential treatment facility gave me the time, space, and support I desperately needed to overcome my battle with addiction and finally get to know myself sober. Being away from drugs, alcohol, and even marijuana for an extended period allowed me to work through my issues honestly and develop real coping skills and tools that I continue to use to maintain my sobriety today. What makes The Teen Project so special is the genuine care and connection they foster. I built meaningful relationships with other sober individuals and gained an entirely new outlook on life--one rooted in accountability, self-worth, and hope. I want to give special recognition to David, the Director, who was incredibly influential during my time there. David always provided a safe space where I felt heard and supported. His advice and guidance were invaluable, and his lighthearted, funny personality brought peace and joy during what was otherwise one of the most stressful times of my life. He had a way of making the days feel lighter and reminding me that healing doesn't always have to be heavy. I also cannot say enough about Challa, my case manager, who was truly a lifesaver. In what feels like nothing short of fate, Challa happened to be the one who answered my call when I dialed a random hotline number I had been given. That call turned out to be the intake line for The Teen Project. Challa was covering intakes that day for Brittany, and that single moment changed the entire trajectory of my life. From that first conversation, Challa guided me in the right direction with compassion, dedication, and unwavering support--and ultimately helped me take the steps that allowed me to get my daughter back. I will forever be grateful to The Teen Project and the incredible people who work there. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and truly wants a chance at lasting recovery and a better life, I cannot recommend this program enough. read more

My daughter was an inpatient a Vera Sanctuary.. For Domestic violence and drug abuse.. This is an excellent rehab for women. It's an impatient facility, with around the clock staff and they introduce them to other women in sobriety that helps them with their recovery through meetings I must said the I personally found the treatment Veras Sanctuary which is located in very unique setting , beautiful and peaceful. the staff was professional, ( her son 4 years old) visited every weekend ..to bond with his mother and regain custody.. Staff was amazing, friendly and caring. Not only for my daughter, but to me and my grandson... ( they ensured my daughter got medical treatment for conditions she had. They also were helping her get the help she needed for the domestic violence she and he son had endured and were subjected to.. Regrettably her husband was let of of jail, contact her and she relapsed .. Very shortly, she contacted Laurie and told her I need help please , I need to detox and get back into treatment... Laurie was so caring and professional, She personally answers her phone and will also texted her immediately ..My daughter asked her please can you help me detox ( which she did) .. She currently is at Teen Project in Sun Valley detoxing.. And was granted the ability to return to Veras Sanctuary to complete treatment and get her life back together and regain custody of her 4 year old son.. The Teen Project is amazing treatment center and more.... Laurie was so kind, caring professional , Our family was blessed to get the chance to get the help to recover mentally, physically In such an amazing program. read more

I have had the honor of working with Lauri Burns at TTP-Freehab from the beginning. I have watched the program grow from no clients to maintaining 30-40 clients. We focused on helping young women not only struggling with addiction, we also assist they with dealing with the trauma's they have sustained in their life. What I can honestly say about TTP-Freehab is that it is a very UNIQUE program. Why are we unique? Because we do not consider our client's as just $$$ coming through the door, they are lost, hurt, lonely people and we offer them the caring and structure they are missing. We have the ability to help them when they get near the end of their program to send them to school, get them specialized or vocational training if they wish. They are able to stay past their program time with the help of our donors and Lauri's desire to keep them safe. I have been working in this field for about 17 years now and I have witnessed many a strange thing throughout the years, but here at TTP-Freehab we will love our client's till they learn to love themselves. I plan on being here until they push me out the door lol, my heart and soul are here, this building is a very special place all you have to do is enter and be willing to be helped. read more

The Teen Project has reversed our experience and opinion about the addiction recovery business. The key here is empathy and compassion. A large segment of those involved in the Detox and Sober Living business, see it as a money maker where the desperation of parents and addicts alike produce customers willing to pay any amount and I mean ANY AMOUNT towards a true recovery for their children. Lauri Burns, a person who has personally experienced the horrors of addiction and learned what it takes to achieve and maintain sobriety, has established a program based on mutual empathy and respect among her teen-aged charges....an approach that not only works but enables a healthier and more permanent form of sobriety. Many of the girls have no means of financial support coming directly off a life on the streets into her program. State and private donation are the financial backbone of the Teen Project which oftentimes barely cover the basic essentials of the program. Our daughter, after years of addiction and rehab programs, is finally sober and currently has received several job offers from reputable companies. None of this had been previously possible. Needless to say, we are very grateful, indeed!! read more

I was a client at this facility for around 60 days. I received one on one and well as group therapy sessions. I was provided access to NA & AA meetings daily. We even got to take turns cooking for each other which was really fun. The staff had the experience and knowledge necessary to help me through my difficult times and teach me how to cope and transition into a new life style. I was able to complete a trade program and beat the foster care youth statistics - I graduated and work full time now and I am able to provide for myself on my own. Thanks to the woman who created this facility and to all of the community members who donate and continue to donate and participate in the teeth project + helping Lauri Burns create safe spaces for women like me. I appreciate every one who played a role in making this project happen. If you are reading this wether it's for yourself or for someone you know - this place saves lives and I am living proof of that. read more

The Teen Project was the only program that was able to make such a positive impact on me and my life that I have been clean and sober ever since graduating the program. Today I have over a year of sobriety and I owe it all to Veras Sanctuary. They gave me a safe place to heal and grow as a person. Because of them I am half way done with college, something I never thought I would do or could do. Because of them I finally built up the courage to get my drivers license and a car. Because of them I love and respect myself today. Veras Sanctuary gave me the unconditional love I so desperately have always longed for. Today I work at this amazing facility in hopes that each time I come in I can be what they were to me, kind, patient, understanding, helpful, and loving. Without The Teen Project I would not be where I am today and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you for giving me my life back. read more

I was a client here from 2019-2020. I have been clean off drugs ever since. Not just the facility but also the staff completely changed my life for the better. At the time I was here, it had a strict schedule. As far as waking up in the morning, not having our phones, groups, therapy, case management, chores, so on. A lot of people didn't like that and left due to the struggle of the change. However these strict schedules are very important and there's a reason they have them. The staff here give people chance after chance, allowing mistakes and growth. It's hard to change our behaviors and things can be frustrating, but it is not the facility who is to blame. It is our own actions we must take accountability for. I would not be alive today if it was not for this place and the staff in it. I still to this day, get butterflies thinking of my time here. I am forever grateful. read more

As the former Program Coordinator at The Teen Project I can say hands down working for Lauri Burns was an absolutely delight. Lauri invests in her employees, mentors her employees and cares about her clients by creating a warm, energetic and loving experience. I truly miss working for The Teen Project but as a result of being groomed and positioned by Ms. Burns I have been honored to accept a position as Executive Director. Lauri and I stay in touch regularly and my heart resides in The Teen Project. The girls changed and saved my life as well as I guiding them. The girls receive so much love, support, education and curriculum to help them change their perspective, create community and learn how to have fun in sobriety. I highly recommend working for The Teen Project and if you get the opportunity to be mentored by Ms. Burns embrace it! read more

I am an alumni and was a client at The Teen Project for about a year and a half. While there, I excelled so well with the help of an amazing team that they allowed me to stay and gave me a job opportunity once I completed the program. The groups they provided were very informative and I still use priciples from those groups today. My case manager and therapist were available when I needed them most in hard times and helped me move on from the program. My team worked hard to help me be successful and I appreciate them greatly. Lauri is an inspiration to me and has helped me personally and is still helping me continue to grow and succeed to this day. If I wouldn't have met her, I'm not sure where I'd be. Whenever a woman asks for information for drug treatment, I will always recommend The Teen Project. read more

Honestly it wasn't idea for me to have to be at a rehab by court order but I can say that this was a great place I was put into. The program director David has been a blessing during my stay there. I struggled a little adapting to the rehab life but David has been very patient and helpful. He truly cares about our recovery and teaching us how to be better people. This man is a great addition to the program, I probably wouldn't have stayed if it weren't for him. I'm lucky to have met a caring soul like him even now after my treatment plan has ended, he's still great support in my journey to recovery! And challa has been an amazing case manager. She truly cares as well and has worked with me every step of the way. Everyone at the Teen Project is great honestly. read more

The teen project saved my life !! I see a lot of negativity in the reviews and can't comments on other people's opinions, but it's due to this place I'm alive today !! Regardless of what anyone has to say I will forever be grateful for the care that they have provided me and the dedicated staff and counselors who never gave up on me !! It's thanks to them I'm alive , they gave me the tools I needed to succeed and now I'm passing them on to my clients !! If you or a loved one is dealing with addiction I highly recommend this place !! Regardless of your income or insurance or lack of , they will and are able to help !! Don't wait until it's too late , get the help you need now at a place capable of providing you with the help you needn't !! read more

Freehab is a life changing organization! Unlike traditional rehab centers, Freehab provides not just addiction counseling, but vocational education, dance therapy, art therapy, understanding and love! They work to heal the whole person. Freehab gives their clients a view of how wonderful their lives can be when they are drug free, and gives them the education and tools to achieve that healthy and happy life. The founder, Lauri Burns, was once in their shoes, and truly understands what it takes to break free from addiction. Her story is an inspiration to every person who enters the facility. read more

Freehab changed my daughter's life...they took her in when no one else did. I had tried so very hard to get her help. She has a bipolar disorder with psychosis. We did not have insurance...both her dad and I are contracted labourers so getting help for our daughter seemed impossible. Freehab totally changed our lives. What a difference it feels like...to have a child that was so out of her mind and now she is totally back...in school...working...doing kickboxing. Wow....this is not the kid I sent to you in June 2017. Y'all ( in Texan) saved her life...completely. read more

This program saved my life and made it to where I'm able to be a mom again. I came to this program when I was 5 months pregnant, I had my baby here and my daughter just turned 1 year old on august 9th and Lauri has done nothing but make sure that I have everything I need for my daughter, she's the reason I've made it this far, she gave me love, faith and hope! She taught me that I'm worth something in life and because of her program and staff I'm able to love myself and be an amazing mother to my children. This program is absolutely amazing and life changing. read more

115 days ago I was on the verge of suicide until I got into Vera sanctuary where I have I gained my sanity back and I am now living in sober living I attend their intensive outpatient program Monday through Thursday and I find it to be extremely helpful I am now enrolled in school I know have a bright outlook on life and I feel that everything's going to move forward I got my ID I no longer have any type of thoughts as suicide I feel that this program is completely necessary for full recovery and I owe my life to them. read more

I am Incredibly Grateful for this program. It was the first program I ever went to and hopefully my last. It changed my life for the better. The structure here is impeccable. This program truly does change and make a difference in your life if you surrender. Their staff are SO helpful and understanding. They don't make you feel any less or unworthy. They have huge hearts and open arms. Especially Mrs. Sandra and Sonia. I recommend this place to any active users and families to whom are concerned for a loved one. read more

I have been working with the Teen Project for about 3 to 4 years and enjoying every moment of helping in this Teen Project. It's most professional and most heartwarming. Treatment center I have ever met. Lauri Burns is the most awesome angel in the world she's a great friend to the girls and to her employees she is super compassionate and driven to save more lives. I plan to be a part of A part of all these girls and in helping Lauri in anyway I can. Feeling extremely blessed read more