October 2021

Creatively Preparing Youth for Independent Living

For over 20 years, the Orangewood Foundation’s Independent Living Program (ILP) continues to provide high quality, interactive and educational workshops centered around life skills for youth in the child welfare system. Youth, ages 16 to 21, also have the opportunity to build relationships with ILP peer mentors (former foster youth)and learn from their mentor’s personal stories and experiences.

Workshops

Weekly workshops are designed to help youth prepare for independence. Using the Casey Life Skills Assessment (a tool that assesses the behaviors and competencies youth need to achieve their long-term goals) as a guide, staff coordinates workshops around themes including money management, housing and relationships. Youth attending workshops may earn up to $20 per session which may be applied towards financial needs. Click here to view upcoming workshops and to register.

Caregivers, Court Appointed Special Advocates, mentors, staff and other supportive adults are welcome to attend workshops. It is Orangewood Foundation’s goal to not only support youth, but also use workshop topics to open up dialog between youth and their caregivers/supportive adults.

Take Home Activities

Youth who are unable to attend a workshop may still hone practical life skills by completing Take Home Activities. Activities focus on over 40 topics and may be completed at any time. Youth may earn $20 for each completed activity.

Upcoming Special Event
Building Work Experience: Job Training Fair
Saturday, October 23, 2021
10 a.m. to noon
This virtual event is designed to help youth with little to no work experience stand out when applying for a job.

Overview Videos
To learn more about ILP workshops, click here to view overview videos available in both English and Spanish.