The Journey to Independence Program
Teenagers and young adults who are in foster care sometimes need extra help transitioning to life on their own. Familylinks helps with the Journey to Independence Program.
Designed for youth ages 16-21 who are in foster care through the Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families, this program provides essential services including:
- Life skills training.
- Assessment of educational and career interest, abilities and skills.
- High school support/retention.
- Assistance in obtaining higher education.
- Tuition assistance and travel expenses.
- Job search skills and hands-on employment with partnering employers.
- Housing assistance and support.
- Transportation.
- Driver's Education Classes.
- Retreats/camps/banquets.
The goal of Journey to Independence is not just to teach youth how to survive, but how to thrive on their own. Personal transition coordinators help each person access the services necessary to build on their abilities, attain new skills and achieve the confidence they need to go out on their own in the world.
Young people in this program can expect to get help with basic living skills such as finding an apartment, opening a bank account, learning how to budget, paying rent, getting childcare, touring colleges, getting a job, making doctors appointments and much more.
WHY IT WORKS
The staff of the Journey to Independence Program treat youth as individuals. The youth are assigned a transitional coordinator who personally helps them access the resources and services they need to achieve independence -- from job skills to life skills to social skills.
Driver's education, in-house tutoring and substance abuse and mental health counseling are more services that make Journey a good choice.
Other incentives include college tours, bus passes, stipends for completing the program, hands on training, housing, employment, educational trips and job fairs.
