At Impact Living Services, we proudly provide a range of Independent Living Services aimed at supporting youth, ages 17-21, as they transition from foster care into adulthood.
Our Independent Living Program focuses on offering essential resources, guidance, and encouragement at every step of this critical life stage. Additionally, we strive to empower youth by equipping them with skills necessary for stability and long-term success. Through personalized assistance, we ensure that each young adult is fully prepared for the unique challenges and opportunities they will encounter on their journey to independence. By tailoring our support to meet their individual needs, we help them navigate obstacles effectively while also embracing the opportunities that arise. Consequently, this approach fosters their growth and empowers them to thrive as they transition into self-sufficiency.
Housing: Impact offers safe housing options that provide a stable foundation for young adults as they transition to independence. Our housing options are designed to teach life skills, such as budgeting, household management, and maintaining a living space. This helps youth gain the confidence to live on their own successfully.
Education: We support education through helping youth finish high school, pursue higher education, or enroll in vocational programs. We provide guidance on navigating college applications, financial aid, and scholarships. Additionally, we offer tutoring and academic support to help youth succeed in their studies.
Employment: We assist youth in finding employment by offering job readiness training, resume building, and interview preparation. Additionally, through partnerships with local employers, we connect youth with job opportunities and internships that align with their skills and career goals.
Financial Literacy: Impact equips youth with financial literacy training to help them manage their money effectively. This includes budgeting, saving, understanding credit, and planning for long-term financial stability. Ultimately, our goal is to empower youth with the knowledge they need to become financially independent. We match the savings of youth, up to $1500, as they transition out of our program.
Community: We foster a sense of belonging by encouraging youth to engage actively in their communities. In addition, we help them build connections through mentorship programs, community service opportunities, and local events. As a result, we ensure they develop a strong support network and feel truly connected to the world around them. Ultimately, our goal is to empower young individuals to thrive socially and emotionally.
Parenting: We assist pregnant and parenting youth by utilizing an evidence-based curriculum specifically designed to teach culturally appropriate parenting skills. Additionally, we provide support to these youth as they approach significant milestones and benchmarks for their children.
Cooking: We teach youth fundamental cooking skills, such as meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing healthy, affordable meals. These skills help them become self-sufficient and make informed decisions about their nutrition and well-being.
Time Management: Impact provides training on effective time management techniques to help youth balance responsibilities such as work, education, and personal commitments. Additionally, this guidance fosters a sense of organization and accountability, which is crucial for success in independent living.
Driving: We support youth in obtaining their driver’s licenses by offering driver’s education resources, guidance through the licensing process, and financial assistance where possible. This helps youth gain the mobility and independence needed for employment and daily life. We match up to $3500 in savings toward the purchase of a vehicle.
Employment: Our program helps youth develop crucial workplace skills. These include professionalism, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Additionally, we also provide guidance on navigating workplace environments. This can look like setting career goals, and advancing in their chosen fields.
Interpersonal Skills: Impact emphasizes the importance of strong interpersonal skills by teaching conflict resolution, communication, and empathy. These skills enable youth to form healthy relationships, succeed in the workplace, and build a support network as they transition into adulthood.
Long Term Planning: We focus heavily on the plan for stability and long term independence. Our youth do not lose access to these resources and relationships upon their discharge. We are able to remain active in the lives of our youth far beyond their time in the program.
The Independent Living program is designed for young adults aged 17 to 21 who are transitioning out of the foster care system. Eligibility requirements may include having an open case with the Department of Social Services or Department of Juvenile Justice, demonstrating a level of readiness for independent living, and a willingness to participate in the program. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to contact us, and we’ll help determine the best next steps for you.
Sharing a living space not only fosters a sense of community but also promotes the development of valuable life skills, including effective communication and cooperation. Moreover, having a roommate provides a supportive environment where individuals can learn to navigate shared responsibilities. However, it is important to note that specific housing arrangements may vary depending on the location and availability, so we encourage checking with us for the most accurate information.
If you have a specific location in mind, please contact us directly to discuss availability in that region.
Parenting youth will receive their own apartment with the furnishings they need for themselves and their child(ren), and will not be asked to share their apartment with a roommate.
This ensures that we can effectively communicate with and support a diverse range of clients, enhancing their experience and accessibility to our services.
Additionally, we strongly encourage the use of public transportation, as it helps foster independence and self-sufficiency. Furthermore, we motivate each youth to work towards securing their own form of transportation when possible.
By collaborating closely with all involved parties, they ensure that the young person receives the comprehensive support required for their well-being and growth. Additionally, they prioritize meeting the youth’s needs while maintaining open communication with their support system to make the best decisions for their future.
Anyone can request additional information regarding the program and the services provided by Impact. We value the input of all members of the youth’s support team (ex. Foster parents, group home staff, school social worker, mentor, etc.) and are always available to discuss the potential for youth to participate in our program.
Additionally, for enhanced security, Ring alarm systems are installed at each site, ensuring that both the apartments and the youth are protected. These systems can be accessed by all Impact staff members. Furthermore, to offer continuous support, on-call services are available 24 hours a day, including during holidays and weekends, ensuring that help is always accessible, no matter the time or day.
“After my car broke down, Impact got me rides to work every day until I bought a new car.” – A., recent graduate of Impact
“One of the resources that Impact provided that was most helpful was to work so closely with staff. They were a friend, as well as a worker I looked up to.”– L., recent graduate of Impact
“Impact has helped me be more mature and more independent. I’ve actually just finished my GED!” – B.L., IL Participant
They commit to meeting with a youth every other week for a full year. Moreover, mentors must be over the age of 21 and pass a thorough background check to ensure the safety and well-being of the youth involved. By fostering supportive relationships, mentors help youth navigate life’s challenges with encouragement and guidance. To learn more about this program and how to get involved, explore additional details here.
Additionally, our team of experienced counselors is dedicated to providing compassionate care tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are facing emotional, behavioral, or social difficulties, we are committed to guiding you toward lasting growth and healing. Furthermore, with our support, you can develop the skills needed to improve your well-being.
