Transitional Living Program

The Transitional Living Program helps homeless youths ages 16-21 make a successful transition to independent adulthood through long-term housing, life skills training, advocacy and employment counseling.

Youth participants are required to:

Ø  Maintain a schedule of 30 productive hours per week. (School/education, job search, volunteering).

Ø  Develop short and long term goals with case management staff.

Ø  Meet weekly with case manager.

Ø  Complete a drug/alcohol screening and assessment.

Ø  Attend weekly life skills group.

Ø  Have or obtain employment.

Youths identify their own steps toward independence.

This program can provide:

Ø  Information, training, experience and emotional support while learning the skills necessary for self-sufficiency.

Ø  Emergency short-term housing through the Elm Street Overnight Shelter.

Ø  Long-term shelter in a host home or Elm Street Overnight Shelter.

Ø  Youth graduating from the program are assisted in moving into their own apartments.

Commonly asked questions…   

Is TLP the first option when youth are in crisis?

      Ø  NO, first the Family Connections Program works with youth and families to encourage them to resolve issues in the home.

Where is the emergency short-term housing that NEKYS provides?

     Ø  Housing is with volunteer host homes (families or individuals in the community) and at Elm Street Overnight Shelter in St. Johnsbury.

 

Are Host Homes supposed to act as parents to youth?

     Ø  NO. It is important for host homes to be supportive and encouraging of the youth and to help them become more self-sufficient by allowing them to explore their own options.

 

What if the youth wants to live in their own apartment?

     Ø  On limited, case-by-case basis, NEKYS can provide financial support toward rent to youth who already have their own apartment OR those who successfully graduate from the program.

This program is completely voluntary.

For more information call: 802-748-8732 or e-mail: nekys@nekys.org