Every year, 1,500 young adults in Texas “age out” of foster care. Before they turn 21, many will struggle with unemployment, incarceration or simply a lack of support or resources. According to studies, a quarter will end up homeless, 71% of the young women will experience an unwanted pregnancy by 21, and only 50% will be employed by age 24.
At Jonathan’s Place, we work to make sustainable changes in the lives of the young adults in our care to prevent them from becoming statistics. In 2016, we launched a Transitional Living Program (TLP) for young women aging out of foster care (ages 17+). Residents in the TLP are required to be in school or working. In addition, they are taught self-sufficiency through hands-on learning techniques emphasizing the development of educational, vocational, financial, domestic, and personal safety skills.
How the Transitional Living Program is Funded
The State of Texas provides a daily reimbursement for the young women who stay at Jonathan’s Place. Unfortunately, that only covers roughly 60% of the cost. In order to provide counseling and other specialized services to help these young women cope with the multiple traumas they’ve experienced, Jonathan’s Place counts on the generosity of the community.
Jonathan’s Place is focused on normalcy for the young women in our care. In order to accomplish this for residents of the Transitional Living Program, we encourage them to participate in job training, budgeting, personal safety, social outings and self care. Your donations will help with the additional costs not covered by the State of Texas.
How You Can Help
Consider making a financial donation.