The Independent Living Program is designed
to provide life-influencing experiences for young adults, ages 18 to 21, that
have aged out of foster care or who otherwise find themselves homeless. Through
a curriculum that focuses on personal development and on building essential
life skills, the program supports and assists participants in making a
successful transition to independent living. Our Case Management approach uniquely incorporates asset
development and utilizes experiential methodologies and activities. In
addition, non-traditional venues, client- driven documentation, and positive
peer and adult influences are incorporated. Program members have the
opportunity to focus on their abilities as individuals as well as to discover
their role in a larger community. Referrals are accepted exclusively from the Department of Social
Services for enterance into this program due to funding constraints. Genesis Home is currently phasing out the Independent Living Program to create more space for Family Matters. The final programming day for Independent Living is June 30th, 2010. Program Structure Program framework consists
of three distinctive components: - Personal Development
- Professional Development
- Life Skills Development
Personal Development This component has an internal focus on asset development,
capitalizing on the qualities that each member possesses. Staff focus on each
client’s “areas to explore” and invest in helping them manage their individual
challenges. Participants set realistic goals to achieve, not as an endpoint,
but as a milestone from which they can continue on their own. Professional Development Clients receive job readiness training, focusing on resume writing
and interviewing skills, as well as workplace ethics and challenges. These
ongoing issues are addressed with the participants during their on-site
mentoring that takes place a minimum of two hours per week. Additionally,
members work with staff to develop a career track based on their education,
abilities and interests. Life Skills Development Clients participate in Life Skills Learning Sessions where they
acquire knowledge and life skills essential for independence. Members
demonstrate their understanding of a particular skill or issue through peer
teaching, group dialogue, and individual presentations to members of the
Independent Living Program. Topic areas include, but are not limited to: - Education
- Employment/Career Opportunities
- Socialization
- Budgeting
- Community Engagement and Service
- Creative Expression
- Critical Thinking
- Physical Well-being /Health
Evaluation Participants are required to develop a personal action plan that
serves as a benchmark for their progression during the program. These personal
development goals are evaluated mutually with staff every two months, allowing
clients to engage in personal reflection and continued goal-setting. Our
primary goal is for all participants to successfully secure housing,
edcucation and employment upon graduation from the
program. Follow-up After graduation from the program, staff will maintain phone
and/or personal contact for a period of up to six months to insure client
stability and continued access to vital resources. Orientation Program participants
receive an individual orientation with the program staff on their first day.
This orientation includes an overview of program guidelines, expectations and
scheduling as well as a facility tour. All new participants will start the program
on the first available Saturday. Residential Amenities: - Private room
- Shared bathroom
- Shared washer and dryer
- Communal kitchen
- Communal living room
- Computer lab
- Shared entertainment – TV/VCR, music
- Deck
- Lawn
- Porch
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