Independent Living Program
What is the Independent Living Program?
Through a national study of homeless people throughout America, it was discovered that 90% of these homeless people had been in Foster Care or an out-of-home Placement Facility at some point in their lives. To curb this problem, the Independent Living Program was created to teach life skills to youth, who may not have had the opportunity to learn them in placement settings. In a nutshell, IL teaches every skill necessary for youth to successfully live on their own, in their own (or shared) apartment, with a job, and to be socially productive and interactive.
Who is eligible for IL?
Any youth between the ages of 16 and 21 years-old who are or have been in placement (Foster Care or RTF) on or after their 16th birthday are eligible for program consideration. All Potter County program referrals must pass through the Children & Youth Department and/or the Probation Department.
What are some benefits of IL program participation?
Aside from learning the skills necessary to live on their own, program youth can receive stipends (cash!) for completion of an assignment or general program participation. Clothing, financial help with school (tutors, books, fees), basically anything that a youth needs can be purchased via IL. Transportation is often provided to appointments, events, and wherever a youth might need to go, in conjunction with purposes of the IL program and as availability exists for the Program Coordinator. $5,000 is available for any IL youth who decides to attend college. Many other perks exist to encourage and assist youth on their road to independence.