Boys and Girls Haven readies teens in foster-care for journey into adulthood
Boys and Girls Haven readies teens in foster-care for journey into adulthood
ISN’T ALWAYS A HOME TO GO TO. WLKY’S CHRISTINA MORA TELLS US ABOUT ONE PROGRAM DESIGNED TO MAKE THAT TRANSITION PERIOD A LOT EASIER >> THE INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM AT THE BOYS AND GIRLS HAVEN HELPS 18-YEARS W RE-COMMIT TO THE SYSTEM LEARN HOW TO BE INDEPENDENT AN PROVIDES A SUPPORT SYSTEM THAT CAN HELP NOT JUST DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON BUT YEAR ROUND. IT WASN’T THAT LONG AGO WHEN THIS TRANSITIONAL LIVI FACILITY HIT HARD TIMES. MORE THAN A DOZEN YOUNG ADULTS WERE RELOCATED AFTER A FIRE TORE THROUGH MUCH OF THE BUILDING BUT NOW, 15 FORMER FOSTER KIDS ARE LIVING HERE GAINING SOME MUCH NEEDED REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE. >> THERE WERE JUST A LOT OF BENEFITS TO IT, AND GROWING UP THE WAY THAT I DID, I WASNT ACCUSTOMED TO BEING INDEPENDENT. >> MIA WIX NOW LIVES IN TH APARTMENT WHERE THAT FIRE STARTED LAST YEAR. THE 19-YEAR-OLD WHOSE BEEN IN FOSTER CARE SINCE SHE WAS 7 SAYS SHE’S LUCKY THE BOYS AND GIR HAVEN TOOK HER IN. >> I WANT TO DO ANYTHING I CAN DO WORK TOWARD A GOOD FUTURE >> MIA ADMITS SHE WASN’T ALWAYS SO LEVEL HEADED, BUT SHE’S DOING HER BEST TO LEARN FROM HER PAST TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL FUTUR >> IT’S THE SUPPORT THE KIDS GET AND TO HAVE A FAMILY WRAP THEIR ARMS AROUND THEM TO GIVE THE M WHAT THEY NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL. >> THE SAD REALITY IS MOST 18-YEAR-OLDS LEAVING FOSTER CARE DON’T CHOOSE TO RE-COMMIT OFTEN LEADING THEM DOWN TROUBLED PAT BUT FOR MIA, SHE SAYS IT WAS HER ONLY WAY TO BE A SUCCESSFUL MEMBER OF SOCIETY. >> EVERYBODY HAS THEIR JOURNEYS AND THEIR BATTLES, BUT I FEEL LIKE IT’S WHAT YOU DO WITH IT SO THAT’S WHAT I’M TRYING TO DO >> A LOT OF THOSE KIDDOS ARE JUST TIRED OF BEING IN T SYSTEM THEY DON’T WANT THIS ANYMORE THEY DON’T WANT US ANYMORE SO WHEN THEY TURN 18 AND THEY MAKE THE DE
Advertisement
Boys and Girls Haven readies teens in foster-care for journey into adulthood
Many young adults are home for the holidays this week, but for children who age out of the foster care system, there isn't always a home to go to. The independent living program at the Boys and Girls Haven helps 18-year-olds who recommit to the system learn how to be independent and provides them with a support system.WLKY's Christina Mora has more about one program designed to make that transition period a lot easier.
Many young adults are home for the holidays this week, but for children who age out of the foster care system, there isn't always a home to go to.
The independent living program at the Boys and Girls Haven helps 18-year-olds who recommit to the system learn how to be independent and provides them with a support system.
WLKY's Christina Mora has more about one program designed to make that transition period a lot easier.
Advertisement