transitional Living Program “Stepping Stone” A program designed to aid youth in their quest for independence. Kimberly Wood Stepping Stone Transitional Living Program Director Centre County Youth Service Bureau

transitional Living Program 8 bed residential facility for youth ages beds reserved for homeless youth 4 beds for youth in the care of a placing agency Off-site apartment for 2 homeless youth Connected to an SOP and BCP through our larger agency Non-Residential services available Funded through placement per diems, FYSB TLP grant, HUD McKinney-Vento SHP grant, and CDBG funding.

Accessing Shelter & Services Outreach done weekly by TLP staff Application/Interview process to determine need and eligibility (can happen immediately) 24 hour staff coverage allows any staff to take a referral at any time Only barriers to entry – capacity, safety, voluntary Emergency bed located in off-site apartment Can access non-residential services, or possibly HPRP services while on waiting list Client assistance dollars can be used for rent/utility stipends

First 30 Days of Residency Initial Treatment Plan –Free time/curfew, employment, education, etc. Assessments completed & Client Story created –Substance Abuse Assessment –Self Assessment –Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment –Behavior and Emotional Rating Scale Assessment Intake Assignments –Staff Introductions –Know Your Community –Meeting with Program Director Individual Service Plan (run similar to FGDM)

Residency Requirements Must be pursuing education, if you have not already graduated Must work 15 hours each week (if in school), 35 hours each week (if out of school) Meet with 2-4 staff weekly to complete individual life skill lessons Must pay 25% of paychecks toward rent (up to $70 or $140 per month) and 30% into a savings account Attend weekly life skill workshops

Aftercare Complete 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year follow-ups with alumni Alumni eligible for aftercare services indefinitely Can provide some financial assistance Alumni and current residents can access our educational endowment

Outcomes (clients who exited in 2010)

Outcomes (clients who exited in 2011) 30 youth served residentially –19 males –11 females 86% of residential youth who resided at TLP in 2011 for over 30 days, were successful in obtaining employment during their residency. 85% of youth who exited the program in 2011 were successful in moving out independently or reuniting with family

Biggest Obstacles *other than funding! Lack of employment opportunities that pay living wage or offer full time hours Lack of affordable housing Lack of transportation Landlord resistance to renting to our kids, requiring a co-signer, etc. Communication with youth after a referral or after discharge (no phone, phone numbers constantly change, move around a lot) “Aging Out” youth

Questions? ????? Contact Information: Kimberly Wood Stepping Stone Transitional Living Program 334 South Burrowes Street State College, PA (814)