The Foundation has joined with eight other funders to address the unmet needs of youth in the St. Louis area aging out of the foster care system, by connecting youth to existing support networks. Funding to design and implement the program will be provided over a three year period with Epworth Children & Family Services being the lead agency for services.

The program is designed that during the first year, it will target all 16-year olds in residential or transitional living placements throughout the St. Louis area. This “starter” group will remain active clients until age 25 with another group of 16-year-olds added in the second year. The project focuses on linking youth to current service providers and creating support networks with area agencies.

Direct services will be provided on a monthly basis at individual meetings and “parties”, resource and referral information will be available at an online workstation dedicated to youth (located at the University City campus) and through the 24-hour helpline. This project will also provide resource information to partner agencies to assist youth’s success.

The positive youth development approach, “nothing about us without us” is used to encourage ownership and accountability. Youth will be active participants in all aspects of the project including curriculum design, selection of key staff, and program implementation. One way this youth driven model motivates adolescents is by providing a Peer Advisor to work directly with youth in the program. The Peer Advisor is someone who “aged out” of foster care and can relate directly with youth and their circumstances.

Program implementation began in January, 2007.