Arete Overview

At Arete Transitions, we guide participants through a structured, step-by-step process designed to foster personal growth, independence, and resilience. Each phase of the program—Groundwork, Discovery, Development, and Mastery—builds upon the last, providing the support and skills needed to confidently navigate life’s challenges and achieve long-term success.

Our Four Benchmarks:

  • Laying the foundation for success is key to developing stability for independent living. In Groundwork, participants build relationships with peers and staff, familiarize themselves with their new home, and settle into life in Burlington. Establishing routines and setting initial goals helps participants adjust to Arete, preparing them for the journey ahead.

  • In Discovery, participants explore their strengths and areas needing support through assessments and independent living skills practice. This phase offers a chance to define personal values, set clear goals, and create a roadmap for moving forward confidently in life.

  • With support from the transition team, participants put their plans into action. This phase is about facing real-world challenges, applying skills, and building resilience. Development is the time to engage in academics, workplaces, and broaden social networks—building the tools necessary to succeed in life, work, and social settings.

  • Mastery offers participants the opportunity to live more independently while still benefiting from program support. At this stage, participants focus on their personal goals—academics, work, and social life. With Arete staff offering guidance, participants take the final steps toward full independence, preparing to graduate and confidently pursue the life they've envisioned.

Arete Transitions offers a unique independent living experience for individuals aged 18–28, guiding them as they navigate their journey to independence. We help participants explore their passions, values, strengths, and skills, empowering them to carve out a path toward meaning, purpose, and productivity. Our mission is to support them in launching the lives they envision.

Our program combines support and challenge with independence and accountability, engaging participants in school, work, and healthy living. Each service is tailored to uncover strengths, expand capacities, and develop the essential skills needed for independent living.

The program progresses through four benchmarks: Groundwork, Discovery, Development, and Mastery. At each stage, participants set and work toward new goals—academic, career, social, and financial—alongside their coach, developing personalized targets that focus their efforts, time, and commitments.

Each benchmark builds on the last, providing a strong foundation for wellness while cultivating the skills necessary for success. As new patterns and abilities emerge, participants take on increasing responsibility and independence, preparing them for life beyond Arete.

Essential Commitments

At Arete, we believe in teamwork and collaboration. We know that there will be successes and setbacks along each person’s journey. We will provide participants with guidance and resources as they launch into life with a sense of purpose and confidence. Essential commitments guide our collective action so young adults and their families see the success they have defined.

  • Participants commit to employ a growth mindset throughout the duration of the program, actively engaging their mind and body, and keeping an open line of communication with their transition team. Participants commit to engage with the program activities and community.

  • Parents agree to show support and understanding during their young adult’s transition to independent living, acknowledging progress is not always linear. Parents recognize the importance of participants overcoming challenges on their own.

  • Arete Transitions commit to motivate, uplift, and inspire participants by supporting individual  interests, passions, and post-secondary aspirations throughout the duration of the program. Arete commits to meet participants where they are and enable them to move forward.