transitional Living Program “Stepping Stone”

1. 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

2. transitional Living Program • 8 bed residential facility for youth ages 16-21 • 4 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.

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. Outcomes(clients who exited in 2010)

8. Outcomes(clients who exited in 2010)

9. 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

10. 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

11. Questions? ????? Contact Information: Kimberly Wood kwood@ccysb.com Stepping Stone Transitional Living Program 334 South Burrowes Street State College, PA 16801 (814) 234-2632