Youth Development

The transition from youth to adulthood can be difficult for anyone and is extremely challenging for youth who have been in foster care or struggle with emotional, behavioral or learning disabilities. Our Youth Development Programs encourages youth to take increased responsibility for their work and life decisions, creates a unique and personal plan for educational and personal development, and provides them with permanent connections with caring adults. When youth are ready to live independently after they age out of foster care or one of our educational programs, we offer ongoing support so as  to sustain them as they transition into the community. By providing comprehensive support, we empower youth to thrive as adults.

We believe in the holistic education for our youth. Those in our care are encouraged to excel both academically and personally, with a focus on self-esteem, personal empowerment, and self-improvement.

Our programs include:

• Life skills workshops
• Vocational and employment training
• Employment placement
• Arts programs to encourage self-exploration
• Community service and leadership
• Housing assistance
• Tutoring services
• Mentoring
• Higher education assistance
• Money and household management
• Driver’s education assistance
• Sexual health education
• Substance abuse prevention
• Legal rights and responsibilities training

To see photos of the Youth Gardens, one of our many Youth Development Programs, visit our Leake & Watts Youth Gardens Photo Galleries on Pinterest and Flickr.