August 24, 2016 Housing Virginia’s Most Vulnerable Conference THE POSSIBILITIES PROJECT A partnership of the Children’s Home Society of Virginia and the Better Housing Coalition August 24, 2016 Housing Virginia’s Most Vulnerable Conference Greta -

THE CHALLENGE: Youth aging out of foster care THE CHALLENGE: Youth aging out of foster care * Hundreds of VA youth aging out annually * Significant trauma histories * Lack of healthy permanent connections * Troubling outcomes: * 1in 4, 1 in 5, 1 in 6 * High societal costs NADINE

THE POSSIBILITIES PROJECT THE SOLUTION: THE POSSIBILITIES PROJECT GRETA

The Possibilities Project Program Principles Youth reaching their possibilities Systemic Change Trauma informed care Partners Evaluate Services

PROGRAM COMPONENTS: STABLE HOUSING Housing at Winchester Green Apartments 2-BR, 1.5 BA Apartments Community Center, Gym, Parks, Pool SUPPORTIVE NETWORKS Case Management Mentoring Therapeutic Counseling Permanency & Support Networks Coaching Services BASIC NEEDS Life Skills Training Financial Literacy Curriculum Transportation Internet Access STRENGTHS EXPLORATION Educational & Vocational supports Advocacy & Community Service Leadership Training Cultural Enrichment Career Exploration & Preparation NADINE

YOUTH HOUSING: 67 volunteers & donors GRETA

The Possibilities Project In Action Best practice programming A new evidenced-based system Youth Recruitment & Screening Housing with supports Education/ vocation life plan Permanent relationships Documentation & Evaluations Improved state policies New service-enriched housing options Ultimate Outcome: Young adults ready to live independently, successfully, happily.

Demographics: 35 youth served (April – July) Gender Percentage Male 42.9% Female 28.6% Transgender 14.3% Other Age Percentage 18-20 28.6% 21-23 57.1% 24 14.3% Nadine. Evaluator Crystal Coles, Ph.D. LCSW 2

Demographics: (continued) Race/Ethnicity Percentage African American 85.7% Other 14.3% Level of Education Percentage High School Diploma 85.7% Some college 14.3% Nadine 2

Collaborative Partners Child Trends Voices for Virginia’s Children Great Expectations Success by 25 VCU Advocates for Youth Think of Us Local DSS & IL coordinators St. Joseph’s Villa Trinity Life Center Positive Paths Program 67 community volunteers & in-kind contributors Greta

TPP Logic Model – initial 6 months Performance & Quality Indicators Performance Measure Before in Program: Target: 1st Quarter result Housing :   % of youth residing in safe, stable housing 0% 100% Social Supports: % of youth receiving trauma-focused counseling 75% % of youth who have at least one contact per week with Case Manager to connect to community supports % who received help in developing life skills (Financial literacy, nutrition, fitness) 28% Employment & Education: % who received help preparing for future education 14% % who employed 58% Participating Youth: Safe & supportive living environments Building lasting relationships Nadine

From the Youth:. When asked “How was your first night From the Youth: When asked “How was your first night?” “Best night of my life.” When asked, “What do you think will hold you back from success? Nothing can hold me back now that I have what I needed. I don’t have any excuses…its up to me now!” After a conversation with a senior Winchester Greens neighbor: “Wow - they have wisdom. I’m 21 and have not heard wisdom like that before. This is simply awesome!”

THANK YOU!