1. 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 -

3. 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

4. THE POSSIBILITIES PROJECT
THE SOLUTION:
THE POSSIBILITIES PROJECT
GRETA

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

6. 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

7. YOUTH HOUSING: 67 volunteers & donors
GRETA

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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!”

15. THANK YOU!