About The Beyond House

Mission

The Beyond House works to advance independent life skills to empower youth and families while promoting healthy choices and self-expression within our community, leaving none behind.

For Young adults ages 16-26
FREE, safe space with support from Young Adult Peer Mentors, a Recovery Navigator, and Family Partner
A cultural and diverse setting that is welcoming to Young Adults (YAs) of all backgrounds, races, and LGBTQ+
Spanish and Krio-speaking staff
Support with transition to adulthood planning
A bridge to Mental Health and Substance Misuse support services
A place to come and hang out, and have social connectedness through groups, creative arts, gaming, music, etc.
Peer support and training opportunities in life skills and more
Leadership opportunities
Employment/educational support, computer stations, and housing support

Our Team

Stephanie Telfair

Program Director

My name is Stephanie Telfair (she/her/hers). I am the Director here at The Beyond House, Young Adult Access Center. For the past decade, I have worked tirelessly to empower, support and foster healthy families and communities daily with Child & Family Services. IT TAKES A VILLAGE! My dedication and commitment are in providing a safe space for our youth and young adults to gain confidence within themselves while creating a vision and hope for their individualized journey to adulthood. I fully understand the POWER behind mentorship, taking small steps, and meeting them where they’re at.

My name is Shantell Sanchez I am an Outreach & Engagement Specialist here at The Beyond House, YAAC. I am a New Bedford native with strong roots in the community. My goal, as a O&ES, is to build a bridge between YAs and local resources while also sharing my life experience to help make the journey seem less difficult. I love the beauty of our diverse community, and my desire is to maintain its beauty while keeping some of the same old values. I believe that if we positively guide, mentor, and support our young adults they will illuminate the future.

Shantell Sanchez

Outreach & Engagement Specialist

Flavia Miranda

Young Adult Peer Mentor

Hi, My name is Flavia Miranda, and I am a Young Adult Peer Mentor at The Beyond House. I was born in Cape Verde and moved to the United States when I was 7 years old. Like many others, I’ve faced challenges especially around mental health, which wasn’t something openly supported in my family. That experience shaped who I am today and fueled my passion for this work.

At The Beyond House, I’m here to support young adults in building confidence, navigating real life challenges, and discovering their own path forward. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to make healthy choices and express who you are without judgment. You don’t have to have it all figured out, I’m here to walk with you as you take steps towards independence, healing, and growth.

My name is Melanie Almeida (she/her/hers) and I am the Transition Facilitator at The Beyond House, Young Adult Access Center. With over 20 years of experience in human services and an Associate’s Degree in the field, I am dedicated to empowering, advocating for, and educating young adults. My passion lies in creating safe spaces where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “When you know better, you do better.”

Melanie Almeida

Transition Facilitator

Manuel Pires

Young Adult Peer Mentor

My name is Manuel Pires; I’m a Young Adult Peer Mentor at the Beyond House. I was born in Cape Verde and moved here when I was 11 years old. I am bilingual, fluent in Creole. My goal here is to inspire and motivate the young adults in our community and help them navigate through all the paths of life. I’d like to use my past experiences to guide them in the right direction and make a positive impact on their lives. I am excited to see the difference we can make for these young adults.