At Black Pines, Independence Is Showing Up in the Small Things
Black Pines is seeing a growing sense of ownership among its young men as students take on more responsibility for the everyday demands of adult life. Over the past several weeks, one student began attending Salt Lake Community College, another started a new job at Zupas, and students have shown increased consistency in managing their schedules, maintaining the house, communicating proactively, and participating in the community through volunteering and outdoor activities. Black Pines also recently welcomed a new student after another moved on from the program and currently has three students in the Cottonwood House, with one opening remaining.
For Black Pines, these everyday behaviors are important measures of progress. One student who previously came from a highly structured environment had needed repeated coaching to consider others and communicate proactively. Recently, before a scheduled coaching session, he contacted staff on his own to explain that he was mowing a neighbor’s lawn and provided a time he would return so the schedule could be adjusted accordingly. It was a small interaction, but it represented something significant: instead of waiting for someone else to manage the situation, he anticipated how his actions affected another person and took responsibility for communicating.
“Consistency is one of the biggest things we’re looking for,” said Kolby Kimball, Program Director at Black Pines. “A young man doesn’t become independent because he has one great week or checks off a list of skills. He becomes independent by practicing responsibility over and over until those behaviors start becoming his own. A big part of our job is creating the right environment for that to happen, giving guys enough support to keep moving forward while still allowing them to struggle, make mistakes, and learn that they are capable of figuring things out.”
About Black Pines:
Black Pines is a Utah-based transitional living program serving young men ages 18–25 who are navigating the transition to independent adulthood. Through individualized mentorship, structured curriculum, employment support, life skills development, and outdoor adventure, Black Pines provides a real-world environment where participants build confidence, accountability, and the practical skills needed to thrive beyond the program. With a small enrollment model and a focus on meaningful relationships, Black Pines equips young men to create lasting change and live purposeful, independent lives.