We are a licensed Independent Living Program (ILP) offering eligible youth who are aging out of the foster care and juvenile justice systems the following housing programs and support services:
New Pathways Independence Plus
Our Independence Plus program provides structured, apartment-based, independent living for single foster care and juvenile services youth between the ages of 17 and 21, with wrap-around services provided by a trained team of social workers, community support specialists, and job coaches.
New Pathways Second Generations
Our Second Generations Program offers structured, apartment-based, independent living for pregnant and parenting foster care and juvenile services youth between the ages of 16 and 21, with wrap-around services provided by a trained team of social workers, community support specialists, and job coaches. We also provide education in parenting.
NICHAC
We recognize that some of those enrolled in our independent living programs will be ready for a higher level of independence prior to their 21st birthday. In an effort to provide those who qualify with the opportunity to experience greater responsibility for their own care, while still having the support of Pressley Ridge, we developed a phase of our program called NICHAC (Now I Can Have a Cat). Eligible clients can select a place to live in a location of their choice and assume responsibility for their own lease, utilities, and other bills and obligations. Pressley Ridge will contribute a portion of the rent. NICHAC prepares youth to handle essential adult responsibilities and helps clear the path to true independence.
Independent Living Program Support Services
Critical support resources are provided to foster care and juvenile services youth participating in our independent living programs including:
- Case management services provided by licensed social workers.
- Job readiness and career development services provided by an employment coordinator to assist youth in finding and maintaining employment
- Educational services available on-site (including our own GED program). In addition, we partner with both private and public off-site educational programs including local high schools and community colleges and job and certification training programs. We also help youth through the college application process.
- 1-to-1 Life Skills focused on a range of topics including: money management, health care, legal issues, accessing aid and other rights, conflict resolution, and more.
- Parenting education and training provided by a qualified Parent Trainer is offered to those in the Second Generations Program.
- Community-based daycare services are included to allow parents to work and attend school.
- In addition, liaisons are made with community medical and dental providers for all medical needs including pre-natal services. Biological families, including fathers, are encouraged to participate in the life of the mother and child.
- We also make an effort to encourage the development of peer mentors to provide positive role modeling.
Next Step Housing Initiative
Is a volunteer-run satellite program of our ILP. Next Step provides the young adults aging out of our independent living programs with a start-up gift of 5 essential household items based on their specific needs and requests including furniture, kitchenware, bedding, and more.
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