Independent Living Program
Paving The Way To Success!
Independent Living services are available for youth between the ages of 15 and 21 who are transitioning out of foster care. Services are also available for youth who have already emancipated from custody.
Independent Living specialists assist youth with the coordination of these services throughout their journey from foster care to adulthood (emancipation).
Contact Information:
- Jodi Wilson, Supervisor (330) 451-8646
- Sarah Goins, IL Specialist (330) 451-8899
- Julie Hayslip, IL Specialist (330) 451-8828
Financial Resources
Financial resources may be available to assist youth with identified expenses including but not limited to:
- Basic needs
- Supportive services
- GED services
- Secondary education
- Coordination of health services / medical coverage
Independent Living Classes
The agency provides a series of independent living classes through out the year. Classes are designed to help youth develop skills in the following areas:
- Daily living / Problem solving
- Health and wellness / Sexual education
- Employment / career preparation
- Budgeting
- Education
- Housing/Home management
In the beginning of summer the agency sponsors a weekend camp experience for the youth. This weekend is followed by a series of weekly classes that cover the information listed above. The program is designed to encourage a supportive and cohesive group environment which enhances learning.
Workshops during the school year include outings used to reinforce the class sessions. They include cooking class, restaurant etiquette, cultural experiences, college visits/preparation, trips to financial institutions, and networking with community resources. Please see event calendar for date and time of workshops.
Financial stipends are provided to youth for their participation when resources are available.
Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
Youth who are interested in developing their leadership skills and want to have their voice heard may join the agency sponsored YAB, better known as LAF (Life After Foster care).
Youth meet twice a month to discuss issues and take on projects that impact life in foster care.
Please see event calendar for date and time of meetings.
Emancipated Youth
Youth who have spent time in foster care and are now out on their own are invited to join this group who have named themselves Future Fighters.
They meet monthly at the agency to discuss issues and struggles they face since leaving foster care.
Please see event calendar for date and time of meetings.
Events Calendar / Newsletter
Calendar and flyers, newsletter and archive old newsletters
Links
- Ohio REACH http://ohioreach.wikispaces.com/
- NYTD https://www.nrccwdt.org/resources/nytd/nytd_home.html
- Ohio YAB http://www.pcsao.org/ohioyouth.htm
- NILA http://www.nilausa.org/
- Foster Care alumni (Lisa Dickson) http://www.fostercarealumni.org/
- ETV https://www.statevoucher.org/
- Ansell Casey http://www.caseylifeskills.org/pages/assess/assess_aclsa.htm
- Casey Life Skills http://www.caseylifeskills.org/index.htm
- Expanded Medicaid form
- WKYC Channel 3 Feature News Story - http://www.wkyc.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1449102279001