In light of our exceptional progress over the past 7 months, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new IL app! We are extremely excited about the functionality of the app in hopes to bring a plethora of resources to our foster youth, social workers, and providers. Users will be able to view current and upcoming events, latest news, and adulting resources that we hope prepares youth for their future. Users can download the app by clicking on the links below! Apple App Store Google Play Store
FOSTER YOUTH INDEPENDENCE Program Description Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) is an initiative designed to assist young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who have been part of the foster care system and are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. FYI is initiated in Alabama through the Department of Human Resources who works with eligible youth to connect with Public Housing Authorities and service providers to help youth identify, secure, and maintain housing while also participating in other optional services around education, job training, and financial goals. Who is eligible? Youth between 18 and 24 years old, and Have left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, and were in foster care at the age of 18 and older, and are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. What services are available to FYI participants? FYI staff will assist participants in connecting with a service provider(s) they meet eligibility for. Types of Services Pro
SKILLS THAT FOSTER YOUTH NEED If you have teenage foster kids, you want to prepare them as much as possible for adulthood. Life skills are not always taught in detail at school, and you can teach these skills at home so that the kids will be well-rounded and mature adults in the real world. You can draw from your own experiences and use other learning tools such as online videos, books, and visits to local community centers. Here are some important life skills to teach your foster youth. 1. Basic Cooking Skills When your teen learns how to cook foods properly, he’ll save plenty of money as an adult. Talk to him about food safety and a few good nutrition principles. Show him how to make some simple recipes and how to use certain cooking utensils. It’s also a good idea to teach him how to shop wisely for groceries so that he won’t blow his budget on them. If he is headed to college, get him one or two cookbooks so that he’ll have a recipe collection to start with. 2. Health and Hygiene