Research indicates that adults, who were previously at-risk youth, are more likely to have higher rates of criminal activity, school drop-out, homelessness, drug abuse, poor health and unemployment.
These serious problems are commonly attributed to unsuccessful preparation for the inevitable transition to independent living, when an individual reaches the legal age of adulthood on his or her 18th birthday.
By learning basic, but vitally important life skills, this vulnerable population substantially improves its likelihood of achieving success in life and steering clear of a life of despair.
To address this problem, HomeSafe’s LifeSkills program was created to provide tangible long-term life skills training, support and self-sufficiency services.
LifeSkills is designed to help at-risk youths prepare to become self-sufficient at 18, and throughout their lives. The LifeSkills program:
- provides comprehensive curriculum for transition readiness for pre-teens and teens, ages 8-17
- responds to the transitional needs of 17-year-olds living at HomeSafe
- offers direct, ongoing support for young adults through their mid-twenties
- provides oversight for academic placement, progress and advocacy
A sampling of specific components of HomeSafe’s LifeSkills program includes:
- Daniel Memorial Institute Life Skill Assessment conducted at admission, and every six months, to identify youths’ strengths and weaknesses and develop customized results-based plans
- weekly specialized one-on-one life skills coaching sessions for all 17-year-old residents, as well as former residents age 18 and older
- weekly life skills group sessions with primary focus on the six life skills’ domains of functioning of the Ansel Casey Assessment
- obtaining legal documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, state ID, driving permit/license)
- job searching, interviewing and maintenance skills
- personal finance skills including personal banking, budgeting and money management
- training in food preparation, cooking and storage
- accessing community resources for transportation, medical, dental, optical and financial assistance
- development of personal hygiene and living environment skills
- assistance in completing and submitting the Road to Independence process and application
- completion and assistance with referral and admission
- process to post-18 independent living programs
- development of comprehensive post-18 transition plan
A major emphasis of HomeSafe’s LifeSkills program is committed to increasing each individual’s academic growth and success, including but not limited to:
- ensuring proper academic placement (Individual Placement Plan, classroom settings)
- HomeSafe LifeSkills staff attending all parent-teacher conferences
- nurturing direct lines of communication between HomeSafe staff with school personnel (guidance counselors, principals, school officials)
- customized weekly tutoring programs
- consistent Edline monitoring
- regular communication with each child’s teachers
- HomeSafe LifeSkills staff attending and supporting children’s athletic and extracurricular activities
- focusing on developing good behavior to reduce school suspensions and increase academic achievement
- ongoing recruitment and solicitation of educational resources
To ensure lifelong success, HomeSafe’s LifeSkills program is very unique as it places a major emphasis on providing comprehensive, customized assistance for at-risk young adults (ranging from age 18 through their mid twenties). Some of the self-sufficiency development services include:
- housing assistance (apartment searches, maintenance, rent/utilities payments)
- employment training (job search, interview preparation, internships, trade/apprenticeships)
- financial management training/supervision
- education (assistance to secure high school degree or GED)
- secondary education (college admissions, counseling, course selection)
- medical prevention and maintenance
- securing reliable personal and public transportation
- one-on-one weekly advisement by HomeSafe LifeSkills staff
- providing ‘triage’ services linking clients with additional community resources for healthy lifestyles, medical and psychological care, employment skills and educational opportunities
HomeSafe’s highly qualified and dedicated staff is committed to the long-term success of at-risk youth and young adults as they transition into, and acclimate to, adulthood.
Do you want to help change a life today?
