Aging-out youth face tremendous adversities, and many of them personally experience the reality of devastating hardships.
>>Up to 29% of former foster youth experience homelessness by the age of 24.
>>About 30% of Idaho foster youth have been incarcerated by the age of 19. Read more at: https://jemfriends.org/the-need/
When faced with such challenges, aged-out youth need a supportive environment to help them take steps towards independence. The JEMfriends Independent Living (IL) Program provides the foundation of stable housing and transportation, comprehensive support through an individualized independence plan, guidance, and accountability in finding employment and in pursuing education. The Independent Living Program is typically completed in 18-24 months. Housing
JEMfriends provides a 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. 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.
