Providing Stepping Stones to Independence
Providing Stepping Stones to Independence
On average 80 youth age out of foster care every year in Idaho
53% do not have a high school diploma/GED
43% end up homeless
37% end up incarcerated
33% are unemployed
JEMfriends typically has a waitlist of 20+ youth
Aging-out youth face tremendous adversities, and many of them personally
experience the reality of these devastating hardships.
When faced with such challenges, aged-out youth need a supportive environment
to help them take steps towards independence.
INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM
INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM
JEMfriends Independent Living Program (ILP) provides Stepping Stones for at-risk youth to become independent, resilient adults.
JEMfriends Independent Living Program (ILP) provides Stepping Stones for at-risk youth to become independent, resilient adults.
5 STEPPING STONES
Education
Employment
Transportation
Community
Housing
5 STEPPING STONES
Education
Employment
Transportation
Community
Housing
The program is structured in four phases, each with its own objectives
and milestones, and typically completed in 24-36 months
The program is structured in four phases, each with its own objectives
and milestones, and typically completed in 24-36 months
HOUSING
JEMfriends provides a safe and stable home for each JEMyouth throughout the time they are in the Independent Living Program. In these homes, the
youth are able to connect with the JEMfriends community. JEMfriends currently owns two homes and rents two homes, accommodating 11 youth and 3 support staff.
LIFE SKILLS
JEMfriends’ life skills classes provide expert input and personalized advice for each youth as they accomplish their Independent Living Program Plans. Classes include instruction on topics such as resume writing and building, money management, health and nutrition, social skills, homemaking, and more!
COMMUNITY
JEMfriends provides our youth with a community of staff, volunteers, and roommates – each of whom support them as they accomplish their individual Independent Living Program Plans. Because mentoring is vital to youth development and outcomes, JEMfriends ensures all JEMyouth have access to mentoring. JEMfriends’ mentors support the youth one-on-one and invest in teaching them life skills.
AWARENESS
We spread knowledge about the adversities faced by aging out youth at events, churches, and businesses. We aim to inspire a community of support that is prepared to meet the needs of youth leaving foster care.
If you feel like partnering with JEMfriends might be right for you, we invite you to take your next step by clicking one of the buttons below.
